Delaware Music Educators Association

NAfME joined national, state, and local organizations in a joint letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies regarding Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 funding for education. Read the letter here: https://www.titleiva.org/letters-to-congress

We urge advocates to join us in contacting your U.S. Senators and Representatives today: https://nafmeorg.quorum.us/campaign/Hill-Day-2026/

Included among signing organizations on the Title IV-A Coalition letter are:

State music education associations from: AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, ND, NH, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

NAfME Music Education Policy Roundtable members: A. Cuthbertson Consulting, American Orff-Schulwerk Association, Americans for the Arts, Chamber Music America, CMA Foundation, Chorus America, CommonTime Education, Conn Selmer, Drum Corps International, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, Education Through Music, El Sistema USA, Feierabend Association for Music Education, Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association, Hawai’i Youth Symphony, Hip-Hop Education Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, JazzSLAM, Kindermusik, Intl., KRUTZ, Inc., League of American Orchestras, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, Music Teacher Guild, Music Teachers National Association, Music Travel Consultants, Music Will, Music Workshop, MusicFirst, National Association for Music Education, National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music, NAMM, National Concerts, National Federation of State High School Associations, National Music Council of the United States, New Harmony Line, Organization of American Kodaly Educators, Percussive Arts Society, Quadrant Research, Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, Sankofa Songs! Inc., Save The Music Foundation, Teaching Guitar Workshops, Teachrock.org, and Young Audiences, Inc.

2026 Cape Henlopen School District Teacher of the Year Chris Burkhart saw talented student musicians missing opportunities simply because private lessons were out of reach and chose to rebuild access around students.

What started as an effort to remove barriers has grown into a districtwide program connecting students with private instruction, mentorship, scholarships, and professional opportunities. By partnering with retired music educators, local organizations, and families, students who once thought lessons were impossible are now performing at high levels, pursuing music in college, and finding confidence in their craft.

Students found more than music here. They found belonging, encouragement, and a community that believes their talent should never be limited by income or geography. What began as a subsidy program became something much bigger for the Cape school community.

Our Music Education Professionals are that & MORE! We stand with our Music Educators proudly!

A new rule from the U.S. Department of Education, finalized at the end of April 2026, marks a noteworthy shift in how graduate students are classified for federal student loan purposes. This much-disputed decision carries real implications for future music educators and others pursuing advanced degrees in education.

On May 7, Congressional Democrats announced plans to introduce a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the new rule once it is officially submitted to Congress. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), John Mannion (NY-22), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (OR) and Angela Alsobrooks (MD), are leading the effort to overturn the finalized rule.

Learn more: https://nafme.org/blog/new-professional-student-definition-reshapes-federal-student-loan-limits/

📣📣Calling Young Musicians! 📣📣

There is still time to join the University of Delaware’s Community Music School Summer Camp Programs with a variety of offerings! Please see the flyer below or visit their website ➡️ https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/school-of-music/community-outreach/community-music-school/summer-camps/

Financial assistance is available - parents may contact Mary Margaret Wilson, the Community Music School Director, at [email protected]

The Vivace Leadership Training Workshops provide a transformative, hands-on experience designed to build exceptional student leaders. Guided by nationally acclaimed educators, participants dive into immersive training that strengthens emotional awareness, interpersonal communication, and practical leadership skills.

This isn’t just about marching band leadership—it’s about becoming the kind of leader who inspires, motivates, and elevates those around them. The lessons learned here will amplify your impact in rehearsal, on the field, and far beyond!

Sign up here ➡️ https://vivaceproductions.com/leadership-training-seminars/

Congratulations to our very own DMEA member, Caitlyn Derrick from the Sanford School, on being recognized as the Delaware recipient for the “50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference”! We are incredibly proud of the difference you are making for Delaware’s Young Musicians!

SBO+ 2026 50+ Music Teachers Who Make a Difference 38 honorees are NAfME members