First things first: high-quality music education programs should be accessible for every student in every school as essential to a well-rounded education. Use these advocacy tools to create an action plan and support music education at your school. Advocacy in music is about making sure every student has access to the music education resources and programs that unlock their creative potential. This way, schools and teachers can provide students with the best experiences and opportunities to discover and create music. You have the power to keep (or bring back) music in schools by sharing the value of school music programs, whether you are a teacher, parent, student, school leader, or community member.
RESEARCH & DATA
Music education advocacy is important because the arts nurture the creation of a welcoming school environment where students can express themselves safely and positively. Music helps to build self-esteem, develops key social and emotional skills, and boosts activity in the brain.
Decades of research support advocacy for music education, showing that music programs are linked to higher academic performance, better attendance, and long-term student success.
✓ Music in schools improves student, teacher, school, and community outcomes. Read and share stories and case studies created by Save The Music Foundation and our partners.
✓ Save The Music joined many national organizations to support a unified statement on the necessity for arts education for all students – read Arts Education Is Essential and use the statements for your own advocacy!
✓ What is the relationship between the amount of arts that schools provide and their school-day attendance? This study by NAMM Foundation found that offering more music and arts was associated with lower chronic absenteeism rates and higher overall school-day attendance rates.
✓ Arts Education Partnership has compiled multiple research studies exploring the importance of music on student learning outcomes, achievement, and lifelong success. Download a copy of Music Matters.
✓ Get your own copy of the Why Learn to Play Music advocacy brochure featuring research and statistics highlighting the many significant benefits of music education. Available as a download for e-distribution by our partners at the NAMM Foundation.
LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO
Advocacy in music education starts with informed action—whether you’re a teacher, parent, or community member, there are simple steps you can take to make a lasting impact.
✓ Learn more about national education policy and funding, including what’s in the latest federal bills for K-12 education and how it may support music.
✓ Learn more ways you can help music education advocacy as a teacher in our 5 Things You Can Do – Music Educator Edition.
✓ When social emotional learning (SEL) is embedded into music education, students learn the skills that will help them confront life’s complexities and challenges long after they leave the music classroom. SEL can be a pivotal player in music education advocacy. Watch the recordings from our Student Empowerment Through SEL in Music Education webinar series to explore how SEL strengthens advocacy efforts and supports student success.
✓ A great way to promote music awareness is to share the great news of your school’s music program! Follow Save The Music on social media for inspiration and tips! Click the links below:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
DIVE DEEPER
✓ See more advocacy tools, including guidance, research, and articles supporting K-12 music education. These materials are especially valuable for music educators and community members working to advocate for sustained support at the school, district, and state levels.
✓ Need more inspiration? Read these essential quotes and stories about music’s influence on education.
If you have been successful with music education advocacy efforts in your own community, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know which tools and strategies worked the best or what action plan you used. Send your story to [email protected] or join us on social media by using #MusicSaves. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the transformative power of music.