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Music Education Advocacy

The status of music education in our nation’s schools has short- and long-term consequences for both student achievement and the future of orchestras. Research has proven that arts education, including music education, uniquely provides academic and social benefits, preparing students for success in school, work, and life. As civic-minded, community-based organizations, America’s adult and youth orchestras can help to improve access to the benefits of music learning by advocating for school systems to close gaps in access to a complete education. Find resources here on the importance of music education and how your orchestra can advocate for it on the local, state, and federal level.

Orchestras Support In-School Music Education Read article

Advocacy

Orchestras Support In-School Music Education

The public education system can uniquely broaden or narrow countless opportunities for each generation. Unfortunately, research continues to point to ongoing barriers to student achievement in the arts, with significant racial/ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic gaps in access to a complete arts education.
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Advocacy

Music Education Advocacy Tools

Orchestras are committed to improving music education opportunities in local schools. Consider using these national resources to support your advocacy at the local level.

Advocacy

U.S. Department of Education Funding Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Education is charged with promoting educational excellence throughout the nation. Federal law recognizes the arts as a core subject of learning. As local partners in music education, orchestras should be aware of the direct and indirect funding opportunities available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Take Action: Music Education Read article

Advocacy

Take Action: Music Education

As 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.
Take Action: Music Education READ MORE
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Music Education Advocacy News

  • Advocacy

    June 6, 2025

    Travel Ban, Bipartisan NEA Action, Public Broadcasting Funding, and Protected Species

    In This Issue: Travel Ban and Partial Restrictions Issued by Administration; Bipartisan House Letter Calls for Reinstatement of NEA Grants; Public Media Funding Faces Serious Threat in Rescission Request; Protecting Species, Supporting Music

  • Advocacy

    May 27, 2025

    Spring Into Action: Latest Policy Updates

    In This Issue: Flex Your Policy Muscle; News! Tax Reform and Charitable Giving; Share Your Experiences: NEA Grants; and Ticket Rules FAQ Issued by Federal Trade Commission

  • Advocacy

    May 5, 2025

    NEA Issues Grant Terminations: Speak Up Now

    In an unprecedented reversal of approved federal support for the arts, late on the evening of May 2, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) sent notifications to many current grantees, terminating awards in progress, effective May 31, 2025. The agency also withdrew many offers of new FY25 grant awards that had been accepted by applicants, publicly announced by the NEA, and were awaiting final official notification to start receiving funding.

  • Advocacy

    April 7, 2025

    Latest News: Charitable Giving, Ticketing, and Supporting the Arts

    In This Issue: Urgent: Urge Congress to Support the Charitable Act; Ticket Fraud Policy Takes Center Stage; Advancing Arts Education for All; and Speaking Up for Federal Cultural Agencies Under Threat

  • Advocacy

    April 4, 2025

    Urgent: Speak Up for Federal Cultural Agencies

    Action is rapidly unfolding by the Administration, in the courts, and across Congress as the nation’s arts and cultural agencies continue to be threatened with restrictions and dismantling. Join us in speaking up to protect our nation’s investment in arts and culture.

  • Advocacy

    March 25, 2025

    Policy Landscape Resources, International Artist News, and Education Executive Order

    In This Issue: Urgent: Keep Pace with the U.S. Visa Process; U.S. Department of Education Directed to Close; and Resources on NEA and Big-Picture Policy Landscape

  • Advocacy

    March 17, 2025

    Federal Budget, New and Renewed Targets in Executive Orders, and More

    In This Issue: Congress Passes FY25 Funding; IMLS, Voice of America, and FMCS Targeted by Executive Order; Court Lifts Injunction on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive Orders; Supporting Music Education as Federal Debates Unfold; Check Out the League's Latest Resources

  • Advocacy

    October 23, 2024

    U.S. Department of Education Message to School Officials: Access Support for Arts Education

    In a culmination of years of advocacy, earlier this month the U.S. Department of Education’s Deputy Secretary issued a letter to state education officials reinforcing the ways federal funding can be used to support arts education within the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

  • Advocacy

    July 1, 2024

    Overtime Update, Take Action on: Ticketing, NEA Funding, Charitable Giving, and Music Education

    In This Issue: Fixing Ticketing: Your Continued Advocacy is Needed, New! Essential Tips for Travel with Musical Instruments, Latest NEA Grant Awards and Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap Released in Senate, and New Overtime Rules and Resources

  • Advocacy

    December 13, 2023

    Year-End News on Ticketing, Arts Education, Musical Instruments Policy and More!

    In This Issue: Ticketing Legislation Advances in U.S. House and Senate; Congressional Letter Urges U.S. Secretary of Education to Improve Access to Arts Education; Prepare for FY25 NEA Grant Applications; Traveling with Ivory: Canada Announces New Permit Rules; Visa Petitions to Texas Service Center

See all Music Education News Items

Banner: 2018 Essentials of Orchestra Management Seminar. Photo: Agibail R. Collins Photography

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.

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