Support Music Education in California

March 31, 2015

Access to music and arts education for all students is a top priority for NAMM. On April 15, the California Senate Education Committee will hold a hearing on SB 725, a proposal to update the visual and performing arts (VAPA) content standards.

VAPA standards were adopted in 2001 and serve as guiding principles of content standards for dance, music, theater and the visual arts education for California public schools. The intent of these standards is to provide a framework for programs that a school may offer in the instruction of visual and performing arts. Unfortunately, despite changes to education policy, resources and technology during the last 15 years, VAPA standards remain unchanged. 

Students deserve the opportunity for a world-class education, which includes music and arts education. NAMM members are encouraged to send a letter of support for SB 725 to Senator Carol Liu, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, no later than Tuesday April 8, 2015. When doing so, please ‘Cc:' the Members of the Senate Education Committee.  Letters should be FAXED or MAILED as there isn’t always a mechanism for ensuring that email is read prior to the hearing. A letter template and the Senate Education Committee’s contact information, including addresses and fax numbers, are provided. Please remember, your support letter must include:

1.  A signature
2.  Letterhead of your organization
3.  Your clear statement either supporting or opposing SB 725

After completing your letter, please email Luis Murguia (luism@namm.org) a copy so we can keep it on file. 

For additional information on VAPA standards and SB 725, please visit the California Music Education Association website.