MTNA co-sponsors Best 100 Communities for Music Education

American Music Teacher, June-July, 2004

An annual survey by a partnership of leading music and educational organizations named the Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America for 2004. Representing thirty states, the roster includes school districts whose commitment to quality music education--measured across a variety of economic, curricular and programmatic criteria--has enabled them to excel despite the many pressures that are hampering programs across the country. MTNA partnered with The American Music Conference, MENC: The National Association for Music Education, The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, The Music For All Foundation, The National School Boards Association, Yamaha Corporation of America and VH1 Save The Music Foundation in creating the survey and interpreting the results.

"The survey demonstrates that excellent music instruction is more than just a process--it's a partnership," says Gary Ingle, MTNA executive director. "Successful music programs result from the cooperative efforts of public school teachers, parents, administrators--everyone who's in a position to influence students. Having physical resources isn't a cure-all. A quality musical environment is something a community must want for its young people and work together to achieve."

Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, enrollment, student-teacher ratios, participation in music classes, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, participation in private music lessons and other factors in their communities' quality of music education. The responses were verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations reviewed the data.