Advocacy

In addition to providing students the sequential skills and experiences needed for thoughtful, lifelong musical engagement, music education can foster the employability skills that Indiana business leaders deem key for workplace success. At the national level, authors of the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act name music as one component of a well-rounded education. Advocacy is a vital part of making sure that music stays in our schools and that our young students are able to continue their learning and development as young musicians.

7 Things You Can Do To Advocate for your Program:

  1. Make music education visible in your community by performing frequently at school and community events. Considering community interests and needs when crafting performances, class offerings, and course content will facilitate this process.
  2. Regularly remind principals and administrators about the importance of your program. This can include inviting them to concerts, sharing achievements, and sending letters (see Advocacy Letters below).
  3. Include advocacy information at all parent-attended events (see Brochures below).
  4. Encourage parents to speak regularly with administrators and at school board events about the importance of music (see PowerPoint Presentation below).
  5. Form a Music Boosters group and provide them with information (see How-To Resources and information below).
  6. Invite an IMEA Board Member to do an advocacy presentation for parents, administrators, and other local stakeholders. For more information, contact Lane Velayo ([email protected]).
  7. Share your advocacy work using #musicINschools.

Everyday Advocacy Resources
Printable Brochures:

NAfME Broader Minded Brochure
NAMM Why Learn Music Brochure
NAMM Keep Music Education Strong Brochure
Music Matters Brochure

Consider adding all or parts of these brochures to:

  • Concert programs
  • Parent newsletters
  • Communications with administrators and community members
Advocacy Letters:

AOSA Letter
Feierabend Letter

PowerPoint Presentation (For School Board Meetings, etc.):

NAMM What the Research is Telling Us Presentation

For Parents, including Music Booster groups, and Other Advocates:

How-To Resources and Information

NAMM Tips for Producing an Advocacy Booklet – Includes quick tips about how to collect testimonials and how to promote on social media
NAMM Grassroots Advocacy Guide – Detailed pamphlet about all-around, ongoing advocacy strategies
NAfME Opportunity to Learn Standards – National guidelines for the time and resources needed for a high-quality P-12 music education
NAfME Civic Action Guide – Detailed pamphlet explaining how schools are funded and how to engage with elected officials

Contacting Government Officials

NAfME Tips for Connecting with Lawmakers
Sample General Praise Letter

Locate Your:
Federal Government Representatives
Representative for the Indiana State Legislature
NAfME How a Bill Becomes a Law – Quick visual

Advocacy Web Links
SupportMusic.com
Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation
Americans for the Arts
Indiana Arts Commission