Music in Our Schools Month
Music Education Matters: For Students, Communities, and Wisconsin's Future
March is Music in Our Schools Month, a national celebration of the essential role music plays in education and lifelong success.
Heid Music has supported music education for generations through advocacy, service, and direct partnership with schools across Wisconsin.
National Resources & Advocacy Tools
Music in Our Schools Month is led by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Explore their comprehensive resources to support advocacy and celebration in your community.
Advocacy Resources
Videos & Professional Development
- Watch: Celebrate 40 Years of MIOSM! (March 12)
- Town Hall: Music In Our Schools Month for General Music Teachers (February 3)
- Favorite Thing about Being a Music Teacher - Gail Shriver
- Favorite Thing about Being a Music Teacher - Estela Torres Guernsey
- Favorite Thing about Being a Music Teacher - Rob Lyda
- It Works for Me - Steph Benischek
- It Works for Me - Molly Park
- It Works for Me - Jonathan Dillon
- Kids Say the Darndest Things - Rob Lyda
- Kids Say the Darndest Things - Steph Benischek
- What to Say to Tough Students - Ashleigh Lore
- What to Say to Tough Students - Judy Bush
Engagement & Activities
Lesson Plans & Curriculum Resources
- INSPIRE Music Curriculum: Creative Music and Composition Projects for K-12
- Kindergarten Curriculum Design
- First Grade Curriculum Design
- Second Grade Curriculum Design
- Third Grade Curriculum Design
- Fourth Grade Curriculum Design
- Fourth and Fifth Grades Curriculum Design
- "When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat" (4th grade)
- "Multiliterate Approach to Chord Lyric Notation in Class Guitar" (middle/high school)
- "Scale Wars: A Music Theory Saga" (middle/high school)
- "Favorite Song and Artist" (middle/high school)
- "Modern Band Meets the Secondary Choral Rehearsal" (high school)
What Is Music in Our Schools Month?
Nationally Recognized
Celebrated each March across the United States as a time to highlight the importance of music education in K-12 schools.
Community Partnership
Led by music education organizations and supported by educators, families, and community partners working together.
Advocacy & Access
Focused on advocacy, awareness, and equitable access to music education—not performance or competition.
The Research Is Clear: Music Education Works
Music Helps Students Learn
- Enhances fine motor skills
- Strengthens working memory
- Improves abstract and critical thinking
Music Supports Academic Achievement
- Stronger verbal memory and reading skills
- Higher math and algebra performance
- Higher average SAT scores for students with sustained arts participation
Music Builds Skills That Last a Lifetime
- Perseverance and self-discipline
- Collaboration and creativity
- Attentiveness and problem-solving—skills employers consistently value
Music Fosters Attendance, Engagement, and Belonging
When students participate in music and arts programs, they show up—literally and figuratively.
Lower Chronic Absenteeism
Students involved in music and arts programs show lower chronic absenteeism rates than non-arts peers.
Connection & Accountability
Music programs help students feel connected, accountable, and engaged with their school community.
Building Belonging
Ensemble-based learning builds belonging—especially important during middle and high school years.
Music Education and College & Career Readiness
Music education prepares students for success beyond the classroom—whether they pursue music careers or not.
Higher Education Outcomes
Music students are more likely to pursue post-secondary education and complete degree programs.
Future-Proof Skills Developed Through Music
Creativity
Essential for innovation and problem-solving in any field
Teamwork
Collaboration skills built through ensemble performance
Critical Thinking
Analytical and interpretive abilities that transfer across disciplines
These transferable skills matter in every career path, not just music professions.
The Wisconsin Context: Why This Matters Right Now
Wisconsin's Creative Economy
The creative economy—including music and arts—contributes billions in economic value and supports tens of thousands of jobs across Wisconsin.
Funding Challenges
Wisconsin ranks near the bottom nationally in per-capita state arts funding, putting additional pressure on local school districts and communities.
The Risk
During budget shortfalls, arts programs are often first reviewed despite overwhelming evidence of their academic, social, and economic value.
Supporting Wisconsin Teachers and Students
Heid Music is more than an advocate—we're a partner to music educators and students across Wisconsin.
How Heid Music Supports Music Educators
Instrument Repair & Maintenance
Professional services to keep school instruments in top playing condition
Classroom & Program Support
Resources, equipment, and expertise to help programs thrive
Long-Term Partnerships
Trusted relationships with school districts built over generations
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Advocacy Without Politics: How Communities Can Help
Supporting music education doesn't require a political stance—it requires showing up and speaking up for students.
Attend Concerts & Performances
Show students their work matters by being present at school concerts, recitals, and performances.
Engage with School Boards
Attend meetings, ask questions, and share your support for music programs respectfully and constructively.
Support Local Educators
Thank music teachers, volunteer when possible, and advocate for the resources they need.
Share Research & Stories
Use credible research and personal stories to demonstrate the impact of music education on students and communities.