US President Obama has signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), effectively reauthorizing ESEA and thus creating a framework to increase access to music and arts education for every student. Specifically, the law provides that music and arts education be included as part of a well-rounded education, an unprecedented step and shift in federal education policy. What this means for states and school districts is increased access to funds (under both Title I and IV) and resources to develop, strengthen and maintain music education in public schools. See the full story here

Joe Lamond president and CEO of NAMM said “The efforts of hundreds of NAMM members have helped to influence this important shift in federal policy,” said . “Today’s passage of the ‘Every Student Succeeds Act’ provides a path for students across the country to access a well-rounded education that includes music and the arts.”

Music Industry association, NAMM and music industry leaders have spent years meeting with Congressional leaders on the importance that every child has access to music in schools. That work has paid off.

“We are grateful for the army of NAMM member advocates who have contributed to thousands of meetings with Members of Congress over the years. They successfully drove the point home that music education is a vital element in a complete education for all children,” said Mary Luehrsen, director of government affairs for NAMM. “With this new legislation, we will expand our advocacy efforts around the belief that indeed, every child succeeds with an opportunity to learn and grow with music.”

The AMA congratulates NAMM on its leadership of a tireless effort over 15 years or more!