NAMM Conducts 2012 Advocacy Fly-In Event In Washington, D.C. to Support Music Education

Members of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) this week met with members of Congress and the Department of Education as part of its eighth-annual, Advocacy Fly-in for Music Education event in Washington, D.C. to support issues concerning the music products industry.

During the advocacy meetings, NAMM Members asked that Congress reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in a manner that removes the pressures in current law that force schools to narrow the curriculum at the expense of important core academic subjects, such as music and arts education, and to support a well-rounded education for all students.

“NAMM Members came from around the country to speak with members of Congress and policy makers about the importance of a quality, school-based music and arts education for all students,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “In addition to the proven link between music and academic success in other subjects like math and literacy, a well-rounded education that includes the arts helps prepare students for the 21st century workforce where a premium is placed on creativity, innovation and the ability to work in teams.”

More than 25 NAMM Members, joined by Latin Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist and former NY Yankees legend Bernie Williams, as well as keyboardist and television star Scott Grimes met with approximately 70 Congressional and Senate offices and the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Planning and Evaluation, with the U.S. Department of Education.

NAMM hosted a reception and dinner this week as part of the fly-in in honor of Dr. Anne L. Bryant, executive director of the National School Boards Association (NSBA). NAMM presented Dr. Bryant with an award for her many contributions to supporting music and arts education at schools across the country.

Music education is critical for childhood education and is strongly supported by both parents and educators. Research shows that 94% of Americans agree that playing a musical instrument can help a child’s overall development, while 91% agree that participation in music helps young people to be creative and innovative in their future career.

Students who participate in quality, school-based music education programs score significantly higher in math and English, schools with music programs have significantly higher attendance and graduation rates, and students themselves indicate music and arts programs create supportive environments that promote acceptance of constructive criticism and encourage appropriate risk taking.

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies located in more than 52 countries. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org, call 800-767-NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.