NAMM Joins NAfME Hill Day to Advance Federal Funding for Music Education

group of people meeting with congressman Thompson of PA

Photo: NAfME and NAMM delegation met with Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson (center), senior member of the House Education & Labor Committee

June 26, 2026

On June 24, 2026, NAMM Associate Director of Public Policy Claire Kreger-Boaz joined more than 300 music educators, partners and college students in Washington, D.C., for the National Association for Music Education's (NAfME) annual Hill Day — one month after NAMM’s Advocacy D.C. Fly-In. The back-to-back collaboration between the music products industry and music educators creates some of the most visible days of advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Representing NAMM and the broader music education ecosystem, Kreger-Boaz met with members of Congress serving on key committees to reinforce a unified call to action: protect and strengthen federal funding streams that support access to quality arts education for students across the country.

The collective ask centered on federal programs with proven impact in music and arts education classrooms, including Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which supports schools serving high-need communities; Title II, which funds teacher training and professional development; and Title IV-A, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant program, which provides flexible funding that schools can direct toward well-rounded educational experiences, including music and the arts.

"Days like this remind Congress that music education has a powerful, united voice," said Kreger-Boaz. "When music educators, students and industry come together on the Hill, we demonstrate the depth of commitment to ensuring every child has access to a complete education — one that includes music."

NAfME's Hill Day brings together advocates from across the country to reinforce the message directly to legislators that music education is not an elective — it is essential. NAMM’s participation reflects the association's long-standing commitment to supporting music education policy as a cornerstone of its public policy program and through the SupportMusic Coalition.

“Music education has a transformative impact on students, schools and communities, yet far too many young people across the country still lack access to these opportunities,” said NAfME President Cecil Adderley. “Advocating for increased access to music education is essential, and we are proud to stand alongside dedicated educators, students and our friends at NAMM who are committed to ensuring every child can experience the benefits of music learning. We are deeply grateful to NAMM and all the other advocates who joined us on Capitol Hill to elevate this important issue.”