The Music Teacher Profession Initiative (MTPI) was formed in 2021 by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) to identify barriers to equity in music teacher recruitment, education, and retention. A task force of NAfME leaders representing institutions of higher education across the country conducted research related to the challenges facing:

  • High school students as they make the decision to pursue a career in music education
  • Collegiate pre-service music educators in their undergraduate degree programs
  • New music educators in their first five years in the profession

This Fact Sheet for School District/Arts Administrators will help you identify and address challenges to the future of music education before and during the degree program and during the first five years of a music teacher’s professional life.

Music Teacher Profession Initiative
A Blueprint for Strengthening the Music Teacher Profession

Get to know the 2026 NAfME National and Division President-Elect candidates

Category

  • Certification/Licensure
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA)
  • Music Education Profession
  • Music Educator Workforce
  • Preparation
  • Professional Development
  • Quality
  • Recruitment
  • Retention
  • Shortages

Resource Type

  • Publication
  • Report

Year Added

2024

Virtual Symposium on Music Education and Students with Disabilities and/or Living in Poverty. Saturday, November 15, 2025. A free, virtual event for music educators
From Budget to Brilliance: Building Strong Music Programs. 2026 NAfME Music Program Leaders Forum. January 29-30, 2026. Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona. Image of Delta Hotels Marriott. Logos for NAfME Council of Music Program Leaders and Arizona Annual State Music Education Conference theme Teaching with Passion, Leading with Purpose