NAMM SupportMusic Coalition
Together we keep music education strong!
Join the movement to protect and strengthen music education nationwide.
NAMM's SupportMusic Coalition brings critical information to its members to build powerful advocacy networks at the federal, state and local levels. Through strategic collaboration, resource sharing, and grassroots mobilization, we unite diverse voices to ensure music education programs and the music industry thrive in communities across America. Whether you're defending against budget cuts, advancing policy initiatives, or building lasting partnerships, the SupportMusic Coalition provides the tools, intelligence, and collective strength needed to make a real impact where it matters most.
NAMM Members Share Why They Joined the SupportMusic Coalition
Action Center
WEBINAR: Joining (or Building) a Successful State Alliance
Join the SupportMusic Coalition on March 25, 2026 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET for an engaging webinar featuring music education advocates from Pennsylvania, Missouri, and California sharing proven strategies for building successful state alliances. Hear from industry leaders and policy experts on mobilizing networks, engaging school boards, and uniting stakeholders to advance music education advocacy in your state.
Featuring
NAMM President & CEO John Mlnyczak
NAMM Associate Director of Public Policy Claire Kreger-Boaz
NAfME Assistant Executive Director of Advocacy & Public Policy Amanda Karhuse
Conn Selmer Sr. Vice President, Division of Education Mike Kamphuis
Slapdash Productions Founder J.Dash
Brighton Music Director of Education Beth Schiemer (PA)
Ernie Williamson President Amanda Rueter (MO)
KHS Music Vice President, Sales and Marketing, (MO)
Yamaha Marketing & Education Manager Heather Mansell (CA)
Tim's Music Owner Scott Mandeville (CA)
The DJ Coach Founder Hapa Brandon Perdue (CA)
Watch October 20, 2025 SupportMusic Coalition Webinar
Purpose Statement
NAMM's SupportMusic Coalition empowers NAMM members to build robust state- and local-level advocacy networks by uniting industry leaders, educational institutions, arts organizations and nonprofits. Through comprehensive resource sharing and strategic collaboration, we strengthen grassroots advocacy to ensure music education and the music industry thrive together in communities nationwide.
Coalition Membership
Coalition members include industry leaders, educational institutions, arts organizations, and nonprofit organizations who actively participate and engage with the coalition. To join as a coalition member, organizations and leaders will agree to the Code of Conduct presented below. The SupportMusic quarterly webinars are open for anyone to attend, and we encourage all coalition members to invite their audiences.
Advisory Council
Amanda Rueter, Ernie Williamson
Conor Todd, PRS Guitars
J. Dash, Slapdash Productions
Scott Mandeville, Tim's Music
Annamarie Bollino, Virginia Coalition
Craig Denny, KHS
Mike Kamphuis, Conn Selmer
Beth Schiemer, Brighton Music
DJ Hapa, DJ Coach
Miriam Risko, Risko Music
Claire Kreger-Boaz, NAMM
Heather Mansell, Yamaha
Robin Walenta, West Music
Format
The SupportMusic Coalition will present quarterly webinars to a broad audience to facilitate the sharing of resources and best practices for grassroots advocacy. All resources will be made available on the SupportMusic Coalition landing page, managed by NAMM. In between webinars, coalition members will attend monthly virtual meetings to share resources and best practices, and to prepare for the next SupportMusic Coalition quarterly webinar. An Advisory Council of 8-10 NAMM members will also be consulted from time to time to ensure these resources and the information is relevant and timely for music businesses.
All participants are expected to actively contribute rather than passively receive information, ensuring the coalition operates as a true collaborative network where shared engagement drives collective success in protecting and advancing music education.
Code of Conduct
Active Meeting Participation
Attend scheduled coalition meetings regularly and come prepared to contribute meaningfully to discussions
Share updates on state-and-local-level music education developments and advocacy efforts in your region
Collaborate constructively with diverse stakeholders to develop effective advocacy strategies
Resource Contribution
Share relevant materials, research, best practices, and tools that benefit the broader coalition
Contribute organizational expertise, connections, and capabilities to strengthen collective impact
Make resources accessible to all coalition members to maximize their utility across states
Intelligence Sharing
Promptly alert the coalition to emerging threats against music education programs, funding, or policies
Report on legislative actions, budget cuts, or regulatory changes that could impact music education
Share intelligence on opposition efforts or challenges facing music programs in your state
Mobilization of Members
Identify and communicate time-sensitive advocacy opportunities to engage NAMM members
Provide actionable information for grassroots mobilization efforts at state and local levels
Coordinate with the coalition to amplify advocacy campaigns and maximize member engagement
Professional Conduct
Maintain respectful dialogue when disagreements arise, recognizing that diverse perspectives strengthen our collective advocacy efforts
Focus discussions on advancing music education goals rather than organizational or personal differences
Seek common ground and collaborative solutions that serve the broader mission
