The NAMM foundation released results of their 10th Annual "Best Communities for Music Education" survey. This nationwide survey recognizes schools and districts for their commitment to music education and opportunity. The NAMM Foundation’s mission is to ensure that all children have access to quality music education programs that encourage lifelong participation in music making. In the face of ever more tightly strained budgets, music and arts education has long been an easy target for the budget balancers blue pencil. In spite of these national trends some schools and districts have recognized the complementary nature of music in a well rounded program of educational opportunity and have resisted these trends.

NAMM has identified 124 districts that have had an unwavering commitment to music education. Representing 21 states, there are record numbers this year from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. 29 communities are new to the roster this year. “The potential of music to help children reach their full development is understood by the school districts represented in this year’s survey results,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director, NAMM Foundation. “We celebrate these communities that are committed to providing access to music education programs and bettering the lives of their students.”

Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials, and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

The complete list and further details can be found at NAMM's Website.