Take Action: Music Education
In This SectionAs local partners in music education, orchestras advocate for all students to have access to a complete arts education in the schools. At the federal level, orchestras are seeking increased funding for arts education and better data collection at the U.S. Department of Education.
Contacting Congress is simple and will make a difference. We have prepared two advocacy campaigns with essential background, talking points, and a template letter for you to personalize your communication with policymakers. Please note that identical copies of your letter will go to both of your Senators and your Representative.
Issue Briefs
Key Developments (PDFs)
- League joins coalition of more than 180 organizations calling on Congress to provide $1.6 billion to support well-rounded education – May 10, 2024
- U.S. Department of Education Affirms Commitment to Arts Education to National and State Stakeholders – January 24, 2022
- League and Partners Call on U.S. Secretary of Education to Correct Unacceptable Disparities in Arts Access, Opportunity, and Outcomes – August 19, 2021
- League Joins Letter Calling for Immediate Reinstatement of National Arts Assessment – July 31, 2019
- League Joins Coalition Letter Applauding Tile IV-A “Well Rounded” Funding in FY18 – March 21, 2018
- Arts in Education Funding History
- League joins in thanking Reps. Bonamici and Stefanik for FY18 Well-Rounded funding support (September 5, 2017)
- League and more than 50 organizations comment to U.S. Department of Education on Arts policies in ESSA (August 1, 2016)
- League signs on to music coalition comments re: U.S. Department of Education’s proposed accountability and state-plan regulations (August 1, 2016)
- League comments to U.S. Department of Education regarding non-regulatory ESSA guidance (May 25, 2016)
- League Joins Call for Full Funding of Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (March 17, 2016)
- League and Performing Arts Alliance Urge US Dept of Ed to Support Arts Ed in High Poverty Schools – January 21, 2016
- League urges US Dept of Ed to support arts in high-poverty schools – January 11, 2016
- League Spearheads Letter to Congressional Education Committee Leaders Urging Support for Arts in Education in ESEA – September 15, 2015
- League Urges Senate Committee to Strengthen Arts Education in Rewrite of Education Law – February 2, 2015
- League and PAA Applaud House Arts Ed Provisions
- Unified Statement Calls for Improved Federal Commitment to Arts Education
- Arts Community Advances ESEA Legislative Recommendations
- USED Promotes 10 Years of AIE Grants
- League Joins Consensus Recommendations for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness
- League Delivers Policy Recommendations at U.S. Department of Education Forum
- League Submits Comments on “Investing in Innovation Fund” Guidelines
- League Joins Comments on “Race to the Top” Guidelines
- Secretary Duncan Issues Arts Education Statement
- Nation’s Arts Report Card Released
Banner: Contemporary Youth Orchestra rehearsal with guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jason Mraz. Photo: Robert Muller
Contact Congress
Raising your voice about key issues before Congress is essential. Contacting Congress is easy to do, and your communication with elected officials will ensure that communities nationwide continue to benefit from orchestral music.
Show Your Support