Why I Advocate on Capitol Hill For Music Education

By Jenna Day

Music advocacy is a core value at Day Violins. Our dedication to advocacy started shortly after my husband, Jason, and I opened our doors as a brick-and-mortar string instrument retail shop.  I received an email from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) explaining their music advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. 

My interest was piqued. Music education has always just been part of my life. I’d never had to fight for the opportunity to access it and I realized how lucky and privileged I was to be able to say that. 

My First Music Advocacy Event

Registering for my first music advocacy event, the NAMM Fly-In Event of 2015, changed my life and our business at Day Violins from that day forward. The Fly-in focuses on advancing federal policy and funding for music education. I felt out of my comfort zone but also knew I was in the right place and doing the right thing.

Fortunately, advocacy training is provided to prepare delegates for meetings so that we all know the issues that we are facing,  the right things to say, and how to say them on Capitol Hill and at home in our home states. During the training, I was introduced to many people who have become life-long friends and are key supporters. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference. They live all over the United States and each feels just as passionate as I do that ensuring music education is available to everyone iss not just an opportunity, but a responsibility.

As I learned about the bill that we were advocating for,  the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), I wondered how much change the 26 people attending the Fly-In would truly be able to affect. Joe Lamond, President of NAMM from 2013-2023 said to us, “Right now (2015) Congress is working to update the national education bill.  This bill would impact 50 million children, shaping US education policy for years, if not decades to come.” 

A record number of NAMM members took time away from business and family to represent our industry and ensure that music and the arts remain core subjects getting the funding they deserve. We are grateful for their efforts and believe that their passionate voice in support of music education will help achieve our vision of a world where every child has a right  to music education.” 

My First Meeting on Capitol Hill

I arrived for my first meeting on Capitol Hill on May 21, 2015, armed with new knowledge and the latest research from NAMM knowing that I was speaking for  50 million schoolchildren who needed my voice to make a difference for their musical opportunities. I took to heart what Mr. Lamond said and shared my passion and love of music. 

While just one of many organizations that advocate for music education, NAMM’s mission statement embodies the reasons that I have made it part of the Day Violins ethos,  “We envision a world in which the joy of making music is a precious element of daily living for everyone; a world in which every child has a deep desire to learn music and a recognized right to be taught; and which every adult is a passionate champion and defender of that right.”

Takeaways From Advocacy Efforts

That first trip to Capitol Hill was eight years ago and now I go every year, without fail.  I schedule those meetings and I show up. Why? Well, here are my three biggest takeaways that keep me advocating year after year.

• Advocacy changes your life for the better. I’m talking about the people I met who supported, encouraged, and believed in me and my business. We know that a child’s life can be changed the moment they are handed an instrument. We gather in unison, despite some of us being competitors, advocating for a cause we believe in and standing united in that purpose. 

• Advocacy makes a difference. From my first time on Capitol Hill, I have had the privilege to advocate many times at the local, state, and national levels. I have helped save programs for our school district and defeat financial and program cuts. I give facts and bring testimonials from students so that key decision-makers understand the consequences of their choices. I advocate as an individual and with groups giving presentations around the United States. Every action has made a difference. 
• Advocacy is lasting. Music is now part of the core curriculum in education, decision-makers, teachers and students have access to funding that allows them to learn, grow, and heal through music.  Mr. Lamond’s prophetic statement that “This bill would impact 50 million children, shaping US education policy for years, if not decades to come.” has come true.

In my opinion, I’d say there are more than 50 million children by now.

How You Can Get Involved

At the NAMM Fly-In 2023, 84 delegates from 41 states came to advocate for full funding and continued support of music programs. We met with 147 members of Congress and their staff.  In addition to our ask, we also passed out 281 informational flyers about communities impacted by music education and acknowledged the school districts that were honored with this award. 

Music education is making a difference in people’s lives.   I proudly represent my company, Day Violins, and speak out for all the students and music educators we work with to continue to provide access to music education for all. I am honored to stand with the other delegates from around the country, with passion in our hearts, voices united and strong, making a difference at the local, state, and national levels.

Will you join me in the advocacy efforts locally and nationally?  Reach out to learn more about advocacy and how you can join me in making a difference.