One of the big things missing from a lot of music programs right now is a sufficient budget to travel, both to perform and to see professional performances. Doing so would enrich their lives by expanding their world and being exposed to appreciation for their music outside their families attending to their concerts. It also cements the learning in a different way that is just as valuable. Having enough supplies is also an important issue- whether that’s sheet music, method books, or instruments, there is nearly always insufficient materials for the music classroom. Lastly, a long-term goal for advocation is to institute a music program in every public school in the country.

As a future educator, protesting in person on Capitol Hill isn’t sustainable or realistic for working the average work week. Therefore, a different way of advocating is necessary for the typical teacher. One such method would be simply supporting your local NAFME chapter and any adjacent professional organizations; doing so in any way you can lets you contribute to the collective power and sway these groups have and will ultimately benefit our field as a whole. Whether this be in little ways like helping with a fundraiser or bigger ways like working on the board for one, everything helps and is a good way to help ensure music stays in schools. In addition to this getting involved in your school’s PTA can be incredibly helpful- both for your growth as a teacher and as an avenue to continue making the wider community aware of the importance of music education. Getting them to rally in support of this help show the government that funding for music programs isn’t a sunk cost. Inviting the local news stations to the final concerts of the year is another way to show the effectiveness of the music programs and thus showcasing to parents and the larger community the improvements that their children’s hard work wasn’t for naught.