NAMM Partners with the Creative Arts Coalition, Americans for the Arts, and Music for All Foundation for DNC/RNC Arts Campaign

Continuing its leadership in supporting music making and education, NAMM, the International Music Products Association, recently partnered with The Creative Coalition (TCC), Americans for the Arts, and Music for All Foundation to bring music and arts education to the forefront of policy makers’ agendas.

Taking advantage of the current election year, NAMM joined with other prominent music and arts organizations to host arts panel discussions about “Arts, Education and the 21st Century Economy” in Boston at the Democratic National Convention and in New York at the Republican National Convention.

The Boston Democratic National Convention event attracted several notables including William Baldwin, Arianna Huffington, Alan Cumming, Bill O’Reilly, Alfre Woodard, Congressman Harold Ford, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and moderator the Honorable Andrew Cuomo. The need for arts education across the country was discussed. Several business leaders and caucus delegations were in attendance and reviewed better ways to continue U.S. investment in all forms of arts education, especially music, which statistics show have a positive effect on students’ math, reading and SAT test scores. During the Republican National Convention last month in New York, Joe Piscopo attended the panel that included Joe Pantoliano, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Congressman Mark Foley.

“People of all political parties agree that music education is essential for our children,” stated Mary Luehrsen, director of public affairs and government relations, NAMM and executive director of the International Foundation for Music Research. “NAMM and our partners continue shared efforts to make sure no child is denied access to the proven benefits of making music. Research affirms the importance of music and arts education as part of the core curriculum, equipping children with the skills they need to create a positive future.”

NAMM continues to be a leader in supporting music making and education, and was recently involved in the passage of Congressional House Resolution 380, which recognized the benefits and importance of school-based music education. NAMM’s SupportMusic.com Web site is the basis for a grassroots campaign designed to give parents the necessary information to keep music in schools.