NAMM Members Stand Up 4 Music Education in California
NAMM members have many ways to create music education opportunities for students. One of those ways is by getting involved in influencing key U.S. policy. A recent example of their issue advocacy work was their support of the California Music Educators Association’s annual Stand Up 4 Music event. Held April 30 at California’s State Capitol in Sacramento, representatives from both organizations voiced the need for proper distribution of Proposition 28 funds.
Passed by 64% of California voters in November 2022, Prop 28 was designed to supplement — not replace — school districts’ existing money for arts education each year. The aim of this measure is to grow existing arts programs so that more children gain the opportunity to participate in various arts, including music.
NAMM members and CMEA met with government leaders to express the urgent need for Prop 28 oversight and accountability to ensure the funds are spent correctly under the measure so that arts ed truly grows and reaches more students.
Representatives from Bertrand's Music, JackTrip Labs, Kline Music, Tim's Music, Yamaha Corporation of America, Stanford University, Love and a .38 and the California Band Directors Association made up the delegation. Over the course of the day, they engaged in lively discussions with California state legislature staff members representing districts from all over the state. They shared about the value of music education and made the connection to how music ed at an early age can lead to careers in music.
Scott Mandeville of Tim’s Music has participated in NAMM issue advocacy efforts before. “I have a great time advocating for music education at the NAMM D.C. Fly-In and at the state and local levels,” he said. “Learning about the power of music and how to articulate that sentiment to our elected leaders has been a delight.”
Anne Fennell, immediate past president of the California Music Educators Association, stressed the importance of NAMM members as representatives of the music products industry to take part in Stand Up 4 Music.
“NAMM’s presence validates the educator’s presence because there is a continual tie from school to community to industry,” Fennell said. “Having industry members present demonstrates this in real time, and we can make those connections together, in person, for our representatives.”
In her view, the alliance between industry members and educators helps send a clearer, more effective message to elected officials. “When education is connected to business dollars, our legislators see education in a different light,” said Fennell. “It’s a community connection — when music and arts in schools thrive, businesses thrive.”
Between meetings, the NAMM delegates attended live music and arts performances and recognized State Senator Anthony J. Portantino with a Stand Up for Arts Education plaque for his ongoing support of the arts in schools.
When asked whether this type of advocacy work makes a difference, Mandeville said his answer is a resounding yes. “I have seen firsthand how our efforts have influenced legislation. My recommendation? Get involved!”
To learn more about how to participate in NAMM policy advocacy, visit NAMM’s Issues and Advocacy page or explore The NAMM Foundation’s SupportMusic Coalition.
About the Author
Claire Kreger-Boaz is the public policy manager at NAMM, where she guides high-impact lobbying efforts and member education, with a focus on music education advocacy, business compliance and workforce development. Kreger-Boaz spent more than a decade in academic publishing before joining NAMM in 2014.