The NAMM Foundation has announced today that applications are now open for its 2026 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award. The signature program is now in its 27th year of recognizing and celebrating school districts and individual schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education. Applications will close January 31, 2026 and can be found here
“Music education plays an integral role in the overall learning and development of students and further enhances connections through school musical activities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “The 2026 BCME Awards will once again celebrate exciting and passionate music programs from around the country that showcase the commitment and drive for music education.”
The Best Communities for Music Education Award is for school districts and individual schools. New This Year: Eligible districts and schools that demonstrate financial need may also apply for a BCME Opportunity Award as part of the application process.
These funds are designed to strengthen and sustain music education programs where resources are needed most with up to five recipients receiving awards of up to $5,000. Title 1 schools, districts with Title 1 schools and non-public schools with financial need are eligible to apply.
Previous BCME award honorees that received the 2025 award shared their individual success stories as an example for other communities to follow:
“The Best Communities for Music Education Award highlights the transformative impact that music holds at Liberty Public Schools, inspiring students and teachers, uniting our community, and driving excellence in every program." said Aaron Money, Director of Fine Arts, Liberty Public School District, 14-year honoree
“Having The NAMM Foundation identify our program as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in our district has provided us with an incredible opportunity to elevate our efforts within the larger community. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication of our students and staff but also allows us to leverage valuable tools, resources, and partnerships that further strengthen our program. It has enhanced our visibility internally, attracted greater external community support, and inspired a culture of pride and excellence among the Wappingers Central School District. This honor positions us to continue expanding opportunities for our students while showcasing the vital role that music plays in education!” said Bonnie Brown King, Director of Fine & Performing Art , Wappingers Central School District, 11-year honoree
“The NAMM Best Community for Music Education (BCME) Award has been a tremendous source of pride for our district, shining a spotlight on our inclusive music program. This recognition celebrates our community’s shared commitment to music and has brought students, families, and staff together in meaningful ways. It has also created a foundation of new opportunities, such as our ensembles performing in the community and has helped expand programming that benefits all of our students." said Dr. Katherine Sinsabaugh, Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts, Port Chester -Rye Union Free School District, 2-year honoree
The 2026 BCME application and adjudication process was developed in partnership between The NAMM Foundation and WolfBrown, an esteemed national independent research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts. For additional information about the BCME program, please visit: www.nammfoundation.org/bcme
Media Contacts
NAMM Communications - John Dolak, Director
johnd@namm.org
619.735.4028
The Lippin Group for NAMM
namm@lippingroup.com
201.317.6618
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $19.5 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of 10,000 global member companies and individual professionals with a global workforce of over 475,000 employees. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music and advance active participation in music-making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Through grantmaking, scholarships and awards, and its Museum of Making Music, the Foundation seeks to remove barriers to music-learning and music career pathways by investing in bold solutions that create healthier musical communities.