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NAMM's Advocacy for Music Education

In a remarkable show of unity and dedication, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the foremost not-for-profit trade organization in the music industry, gathered over 90 leaders from various sectors of the music business in Washington, D.C., to make a strong case for continued federal support of music education.

This week-long event, taking place during the first week of May 2025, aimed to address critical issues related to music education funding, connecting access to such education to improved student attendance, graduation rates, and the honing of essential workforce skills. As part of its 19th annual Music Education Advocacy Fly-In, NAMM emphasized the importance of a comprehensive education that includes music, in alignment with the guidelines set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

The advocacy efforts were not just ceremonial; they took the form of direct meetings with congressional members both from the House and the Senate, making a compelling case for increased funding for Title IV Part A, which could reach its full authorization of $1.6 billion. Delegates from NAMM also championed the complete financial support for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a crucial funding source for education utilized by numerous school districts nationwide.

NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak highlighted the enthusiasm and innovative ideas exchanged between industry leaders and elected officials during the week, stressing that cultivating new music makers is essential for the prosperity of communities across the country. He remarked, “This collective effort and monumental work leading up to this week in D.C. allowed the nation's top music industry leaders to harmonize passion and inspiration, which is vital in persuading our elected representatives.”

On May 6, Mlynczak moderated an insightful panel titled “Economic Impact of the Arts,” featuring prominent figures such as Nina Ozlu Tuncelli from Americans for the Arts and Claus von Zastrow of the Education Commission on the States. The session discussed the tangible benefits of music and arts education on both the economy and social fabric, underlining their critical role in workforce education and cultural development.

Moreover, a powerful speech by Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina resonated significantly with attendees. Clyburn, a long-serving member of Congress, shared his personal experiences as a musician, emphasizing the transformative power of music in education. His previous recognition from NAMM as the SupportMusic Champion for his advocacy in music education underscores his commitment to the cause.

The evening culminated with an inspiring address from Representative Suzanne Bonamici from Oregon, who echoed the necessity for every student to access quality music programs. Bonamici, also a previous recipient of the SupportMusic Champion award, has been a staunch advocate for music education funding and has participated in nearly every annual NAMM Fly-In.

On May 7, NAMM members showcased their collective strength by holding nearly 200 meetings with influential lawmakers, representing the interests of the organization and its members. Among them were notable figures such as Senators Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, illustrating the bipartisan support for arts education.

“It’s an incredible experience to represent the music industry here in Washington D.C. and to advocate for music education funding,” stated Josh Faust, CEO of Faust Harrison Pianos. He emphasized that gatherings like this, where NAMM unites members to push for legislative support, fuels his passion for the industry.

The successful advocacy week significantly enhances NAMM's role as a key player in bridging the gap between the music industry and legislative initiatives. As advocates continue to prioritize music education funding, NAMM aims to elevate the voices of music professionals and ensure ongoing support for music programs in schools.

Looking forward, NAMM plans to make this advocacy event a staple of its annual programming, further strengthening the relationship between the music industry and policymakers to address the rapidly evolving needs of music education across the country. The organization will soon announce the date and agenda for the 2026 event, promising to continue building on this essential dialogue for years to come.

For more information about NAMM and its initiatives, visit www.namm.org.