Position Statement From the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) on Funding for Music Education
March 7, 2025
NAMM strongly supports federal funding that supplements state budgets to support disadvantaged students. For 60 years, since the enactment of the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965, federal funds have been used for that purpose. The 2015 revision of ESEA, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), grants funds to states for school district programs that promote a well-rounded education, which the law specifically states can include instruction in music and the arts. That law and its funding have increased access to music education in our schools.
NAMM’s continued advocacy for Title I, Title II and Title IV Part A federal funding is rooted in our belief that every student has the right to receive a comprehensive educational experience that fosters creativity and critical thinking through learning music.
NAMM also supports the essential functions of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Established in 1979, the ED is responsible for overseeing the execution of ESSA and other federal initiatives that provide critical support to states and local education districts for educating children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
NAMM represents and empowers our member companies by:
- Training and recruiting our members to attend the annual NAMM D.C. Advocacy Fly-In, where we engage directly with policymakers and advocate for music education funding and support;
- Activating members at the state level to advocate for policies that uphold and enhance music programs within their state and local communities;
- Providing research and information on workforce development skills and pathways to a career in music;
- Convening national music and arts coalitions consisting of industry, nonprofit, education and arts organizations.
We will continue to keep you informed, and we encourage all NAMM members to stay engaged and raise their collective voices in support of music education by contacting your Members of Congress. We know the invaluable role music plays in fostering a well-rounded education for all students, and we need to make our voices heard as a united industry.
Please contact NAMM to learn more about our policy activities and resources and how you can get involved.
John Mlynczak
President and CEO, NAMM
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $19.5 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM is comprised of over 10,000 global member companies and individual professionals representing a global workforce of over 475,000 employees. In addition to The NAMM Show and NAMM’s member services, The NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan of learning.