NAMM.org Issues and Advocacy

NAMM Policy Priorities

Public Policy for NAMM Members

NAMM serves its members by tracking, engaging and educating on matters of public policy, based on three priorities: Business Compliance, Music Education Advocacy and Workforce Development. We represent the interests of the music products industry through virtual and in-person advocacy campaigns, such as the NAMM Music Education D.C. Fly-In. Members are invited to participate in trade, sustainability and music education advocacy working groups, as well as in educational webinars and advocacy efforts. Contact us for more information.

Featured Article

SupportMusic Coalition Webinar Highlights State Alliance Strategies

March 31, 2026 The SupportMusic Coalition convened advocates, educators and industry partners on March 25 for a webinar focused on building effective state music education alliances. NAMM member advocates from Pennsylvania, Missouri and California shared hard-won lessons on coalition organizing, school board engagement and cross-sector collaboration. NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak opened the session by acknowledging a recent federal funding win — the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 largely preserved K-12 education funding levels — while cautioning that flat budgets in a high-inflation environment mean pressure on music programs is far from over. "The real fight is now at the state and local level," he noted. Artist, producer and longtime advocate for music education J.Dash provided inspiration with his message, “Put Your Heart Into It.” He compared the work of advocacy to the rhythm of a heartbeat, He said, “When voices align, and when purpose is shared, that rhythm expands. It becomes something bigger than any one person." He continued, "Real change doesn't happen in a single moment. It happens in patterns - consistent, repeated, intentional - just like
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dc fly in rooftop

Music Advocates Head to Capitol Hill: NAMM's 20th Annual D.C. Fly-In

March 31, 2026 For two decades, music industry leaders and education champions have made the journey to Washington, D.C., to do something deceptively simple: talk with their elected representatives. This May, that tradition continues when NAMM convenes its 20th Annual D.C. Fly-In, bringing together delegates from across the country for four days of training, community and action.   Scheduled for May 10-14, the Fly-In marks a milestone anniversary for one of the music industry's most distinctive advocacy traditions. What began as a modest gathering of industry voices has grown into
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namm policy words in front of u.s. capitol building at sunset

An Important Update Regarding NAMM Policy and Advocacy Efforts

March 16, 2026 We know you are following the news and wondering how policies and global conflicts are impacting our industry. Our NAMM policy team, led by Claire Kreger-Boaz and in constant consultation with our long-time lobby partner Nelson Mullins, has been hard at work! We are monitoring, educating, consulting, and taking action on issues ranging from education policy to tariffs. As we look toward our annual D.C. Fly-In event in May, we want to update you on our activities and recent strategic meetings in Washington, D.C., involving members of Congress and their staff. The 20t
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instruments and tariffs stamp

Tariffs Explained

February 20, 2026 President Trump Announces New Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling President Trump announced he would immediately impose a 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to address trade deficits. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the administration would also expand use of Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (unfair trade practices) authorities.   These authorities come with constraints the administration did not face under IEEPA. For example, Section 122 tariffs are capped at 15% for 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.
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students playing music together

NAMM Statement on U.S. Department of Education Program Transfers

December 12, 2025 The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) strongly opposes the Trump Administration's decision to transfer critical U.S. Department of Education (ED) programs to other federal agencies through six new interagency agreements. This fragmentation of educational programs threatens the coordinated federal support that ensures students across America have equitable access to comprehensive music and arts education. The recent transfers include moving Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) and Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) programs to the
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The Road to CITES

November 12, 2025 NAMM and our collaborators at the League of American Orchestras facilitated unprecedented international collaboration since the last meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) between musicians, instrument makers, orchestras and music industry associations spanning North America, Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. The music sector is aligned in its stance that sustainable businesses practices for Brazilian Paubrasilia echinata, or pernambuco wood, is necessary to protect the species, allow musicians to travel internationally with their instruments and
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Music IS Education

NAMM is one of the proud founding members of the Music IS Education Coalition, which officially launched in conjunction with National Arts in Education Week in September. The Coalition is a state- and local-focused advocacy resource designed to help coalitions, education leaders and community partners protect and expand music and arts education. Built with and for state advocates, the site centralizes research, data, policy briefs and ready-to-use tools to accelerate campaigns in every state. Watch Music IS Education Webinar on Critical Advocacy Resources In conjunction with NAMM’
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