S ince the Trump Administration announced the potential dissolu- tion of the U.S. Department of Education, concerns have been growing regarding how such changes could negatively impact arts education funding. Turn to page 10 to find a letter to the editor from Marcia Neel, a 36-year veteran of public school music education programs and the current educa- tion advisor to the Music Achievement Council (MAC), a non-profit dedicated to the professional development of music educators. In her letter, Neel advocates for MI industry professionals to stay informed, support teachers, advocate for music education at a state- and national-level, and actively engage in their communi- ties to help sustain and grow music programs despite these potential budget cuts. PERSPECTIVE I BY KATIE KAILUS FUNDING THE FUTURE
Here are a few key points Neel made in her note that didn’t make it onto our Letters page. “Stay connected with your chamber of commerce, local arts council and other such organizations,” Neel advocated. “Speak with your influential community members who sit on budget committees or district advisory groups so that you can remain informed. Better yet, become one of those influencers by serving on these types of committees. Remember to keep the interests of the students at the center of all your conversations.” Neel also suggested that music retailers and suppliers who are contacted by a teacher re- garding potential program reductions at their
school get all the facts then “rev up” their advocacy tools. “As much as teachers are the education experts, they can often be dissuaded from speaking publicly on these matters,” Neel said. “You’re a member of the arts community and can work miracles by bringing together like-minded advocates to address potential cuts at the local level. Do you know the leaders of the various booster organizations in your area? If not, make that a priority and attend their meetings. They should feel [comfortable] to call upon you to host a gathering in your location if the occasion arises. Be proactive and relentlessly positive. “On behalf of the students in your district’s programs, make a point of at- tending school board meetings to learn more about the budget process and what changes may be coming,” Neel continued. “Plan to speak as necessary during public comment periods to share copies and reference the ‘Top Ten Workforce Skills Developed in Music’ article that can be found at musicedconsultants.net. If they see the economic impact of an education in music, they may think differ- ently about what our programs provide beyond the music itself.” Finally, Neel recommended MI industry members contact their Members of Congress to voice support for continuing the AAE (Assistance for Arts Educa- tion) program that promotes arts funding for all students under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This month, from May 5–8, NAMM will hold its annual NAMM Fly-In to advocate for music education on Capitol Hill. In the meantime, as Neel put it, staying informed is crucial for the next-generation of music students, as well as our music businesses. MI
8 I MUSIC INC. I MAY 2025
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