The 2021–2022 school year presents an opportunity to strengthen how we provide music education. Building on the work and innovation of music educators and administrators during this past year, let’s work together to ensure equitable access to music programs.
On May 10, 2021, NAfME and NFHS released Return to Music: Phase II Guidance and Resources to help music educators as they plan their return to the physical classroom. This initiative is the latest step in the collaboration between NAfME and NFHS to support music educators.
The coming school year’s focus is on students and student engagement as we rebuild, rejuvenate, and reimagine more inclusive music programs. Do you have a 9th grader who wanted to join the band but has never played an instrument? Do you have a new student who wants to join the cast of the musical but has never performed before? Do you have a new group of students who want to start in orchestra two years after everyone else? Now is the time to invite students without prior experience to participate in music. As we look forward to the 2021–2022 school year, we encourage you to get excited and invite you to think about new ways to increase music education opportunities in your school. The enthusiastic support for music education by students and their parents provides the momentum for advocates to ensure school districts deliver on the promise of a well-rounded education that prioritizes music education.
The resources in “Phase II,” created by a team including NAfME member experts (see below), include
- Student Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Teacher Well Being
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) Funding Opportunities
- Curriculum Adjustments and Reimagined Classroom Procedures
- School-Owned Equipment and Uniforms
- Student Eligibility
NAfME thanks our members who have participated in the development of these resources:
- Darin Au, Council for Guitar Education member, Honolulu, HI
- Brett Nolker, Society for Music Teacher Education, Greensboro, NC
- Ryan Shaw, Society for Music Teacher Education, East Lansing, Michigan
- Michael Stone, Chair, Council of Music Program Leaders, Bakersfield, CA
- Rob Lyda, Chair, Council for General Music Education, Auburn, AL
- Jennifer Kauffman, Council for General Music Education member, Annapolis, MD
- Anna Halliday, Council for General Music Education member, Montevallo, AL
- Dean Luethi, Chair, Council for Choral Education, Pullman, WA
- Susan Smith, Chair, Collegiate Advisory Council, Troy, AL
- Richard Holmes, Council for Band Education member, Dallas, NC
- Coreen Duffy, Council for Choral Education member, Missoula, MT
As we look forward to the 2021–2022 school year, NAfME and NFHS encourage you to use these new resources to help advocate for and enrich music education programs in an ever-evolving landscape.
Access Return to Music: Phase II Guidance and Resources and supporting materials, including videos from NAfME member contributors.
