Survey: Lower Merion Music Education Among Nation's Best

The NAMM Foundation has recognized Lower Merion School District for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation for the fifth consecutive year.

The school district joins the ranks of only 388 other districts across the entire country in receiving the distinction in 2015. Now in its 16th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of schools’ core curriculum.

The BCME survey requires districts to answer 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 Center for Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

“The NAMM award is a tribute to all Lower Merion educators, parents, students, and community members who have made the K-12 music program what it is today,” said Bala Cynwyd Middle music teacher Jenny Neff. “At a time when we see many districts across the country cutting the arts and choosing standardization over creative opportunities, our District continues to support a high level of musical excellence as an important part of every child’s well-rounded education.”

Community music programs have been drawing increased attention this year because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists who found new links between students in community music programs and academic success. Beyond the Northwestern study, other reports indicate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in group settings.