Music Education Program Receives National Recognition

Carmel Clay Schools has once again been honored with the 2017 Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Carmel Clay Schools is one of only 4% of districts across the nation to receive this prestigious award.

The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Carmel Clay Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. “This award reinforces the commitment of our school administrators, community leaders, teachers and parents who believe in music education and are continuously working to ensure that it is part of a complete education for all children here at CCS,” said Nicholas D. Wahl, Superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools. “We are honored to have received this award again; we always look forward to highlighting the teamwork, dedication and incredible talents of our students and teachers within our performing arts departments.”

In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.

Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. Its mission is to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.