Resources for Parents and Other Music Advocates
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Parents, your child’s music program matters to you! So how do you make sure it matters to your school’s administrators and district’s school board and other decision-makers? Your voice is powerful, and you can use it to promote the long-lasting benefits for all students—including your own.
So, what can you do? Here are 5 ways you can support your music program:
- Get involved in your music booster group and/or volunteer in the classroom. Your teachers have ideas, and you could be the answer.
- Thank your school principal for supporting your child’s music program and music teacher. “Thank you” is not something they hear every day. And it shows you’re paying attention.
- Write your local/national newspaper a letter-to-the-editor about what music has meant for your child. It only takes 80 to 100 words, but it can go a long way. Lawmakers and other decision-makers are keeping track of what constituents want.
- Invite your school board members, county/district supervisors, state/national lawmakers to your child’s school concert. No, really! They may see it as only a public relations opportunity when they come, but when they leave, they’ll understand why music matters in all schools.
- Reach out to local media. Whether on radio, TV, or in print, your school music program has a story to tell. See the “Public Relations 101” resource for advocates below for more ideas.
Here are more resources and ideas. Keep checking this page for updates.
Resources for Parents
- How Parents Can Support Their Children’s Music Program, and flyer option 2
- Jason and Jenna Day, “A Parent’s Perspective: What Music Has Given Our Children”
- Amy Nathan, “The Music Parenting Tightrope“
- “20 Important Benefits of Music in Our Schools“
Resources for Booster Groups
- Kathleen Heuer, “Why Join a Music Booster Group? The Surprising Benefits”
- Kathleen Heuer, “They’re Not Done after Their Diploma: A Guide to Engaging Your Alumni”
Resources for Advocates
- Donate to NAfME to support music educators and music education advocacy
- Donate today to Give a Note Foundation to support underserved schools
- NAfME Music Education Advocate Podcast
- Arts ARE Education National Campaign
- Music Education and Social-Emotional Learning brochure
- NAfME Music Education Advocacy Resource Center
- Local Advocacy Action Guide
- ESSER Funding Toolkit for music programs
- “Everything ESSA” resource page on the new federal education bill’s impact on music
- Learn how to join NAfME in advocating for music education and visit the Grassroots Action Center to learn how you can help today
- Opportunity to Learn Standards to ensure music programs have what they need
- Connecting with Legislators
- Public Relations 101
- Collegiates: Join today.
Need more information or would like to submit your own ideas? Email questions to advocacy@nafme.org and article submission ideas to nafme@nafme.org for the Music in a Minuet blog.
