More than 300 music education leaders, advocates and future educators participated in NAfME Hill Day 2026, holding more than 240 meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff, according to the National Association for Music Education. The advocates called for stronger federal support for school music programs and described how federal education funding affects students and teachers.
Delegations discussed funding for Titles I, II and IV-A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Assistance for Arts Education program, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. NAfME said those programs can support educator development, instruments, instructional materials, technology and improvements to school facilities.
Participants also sought support for several proposals intended to expand access to music and arts education. Those measures included the Arts Education for All Act, HBCU Arts Act, Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act, Equitable Arts Education Enhancement Act and the Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026.
For more information, visit nafme.org.