Leading the Fight for Music Education
In school districts nationwide, music education programs are being reduced or eliminated altogether. At the same time, we know that music education programs in schools offer a multitude of invaluable benefits for students ranging from collaboration and communication skills, creativity, self-expression, and leadership to improved academic outcomes. Teaching music in classrooms is essential if we want to truly offer a world-class and well-rounded education to our students.
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to educate elected officials and other key decision makers about the impact and importance of music education programs. Representing music educators, students, and advocates, NAfME is dedicated to ensuring the access, presence, and perseverance of quality music and arts programs that is operated by certified music educators, for all students across the nation, regardless of circumstance. Together, we are changing the national conversation about music’s role in delivering an outstanding education to all students.
Join NAfME today to take action for music education.
What You Can Do
Get the Latest – The Advocacy Bulletin
Updated around the clock by our advocacy and public policy staff, there you will find commentary on the latest in music education policy:
- Legislative Developments in Congress
- The Federal Budget and Appropriations Process
- Regulatory and Implementation Policy Affecting Music Education
- Music Advocacy from the State/Local Level
- Looking for handouts? Check out these advocacy flyers (also available, option 2)
Get the Latest – Public Policy Newsroom
Here you will find the latest statements and press releases issued by NAfME on education topics in public policy.
Take Action! – NAfME Grassroots Action Center
Here you will find different ways on how YOU can:
- Support Music Education in Federal Education Policy
- Be Involved with the Legislative Process
- Engage Your Members in Congress
Resources and Analysis
NAfME Public Policy Hub
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) advocates to educate elected officials and other key decision makers about the impact and importance of music education programs.
On the page, you will find several public policy topics where NAfME advocates at a federal level:
- “Everything ESSA” page for the latest on this HISTORIC piece of legislation for music education.
- “Rules & Regs” page for our work with and from the U.S. Department of Education
Collegiate Opportunities
NAfME Internship Opportunities
As a 21st century advocacy organization, NAfME offers two comprehensive internship programs that provides rich learning opportunities and substantive professional experiences in the not-for-profit sector.
How to Apply
Interested applicants, please visit the links above to find application directions.
Collegiate Advocacy Summit 2018 (June 26 – June 28)
Every year, the National Association for Music Education is conducts its annual Hill Day event, where hundreds of music educators, including our Collegiate members, meet with key congressional staff and members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for music education.

Our Collegiate members are the future of the music education profession. The Collegiate Advocacy Summit is designed to expose you to the world of education policy, especially as it pertains to music education, and to prepare you to enter the teaching field with tools, knowledge, and perspective that will contribute to your immediate and future success as an educator.
Register for NAfME’s Collegiate Advocacy Summit Today!
Contact Us!
Have questions regarding advocacy initiatives? Contact our NAfME Advocacy and Policy team at advocacy@nafme.org
Looking to contact a specific member of our advocacy and policy staff? Find their contact information here.