28 Years of Championing Music Education: NAMM Foundation Opens 2027 Best Communities for Music Education Applications

CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The NAMM Foundation opens applications for the 2027 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award, marking the program's 28th consecutive year of recognizing school districts and individual schools across the nation that prioritize music education as an essential part of a well-rounded education.

BCME shines a national spotlight on the educators, school leaders, families and community partners working to ensure students have meaningful opportunities to participate in music. By celebrating communities that make music education a priority, the program demonstrates the value of sustained investment in music learning and inspires other schools and districts to strengthen their own programs.

New for 2027, eligible BCME applicants will also have the opportunity to apply for the Dinah Gretsch Impact Award, which will provide awards of up to $5,000 each to as many as 10 schools and districts demonstrating financial need and a commitment to strengthening and sustaining music education.

Applications for the 2027 BCME program are open October 20, 2026, through January 5, 2027, at nammfoundation.org/bcme.

Recognizing Communities That Put Music First

Across the country, BCME honorees demonstrate how sustained investment in music education creates meaningful opportunities for students. Their work reflects a shared commitment among educators, administrators, families and community leaders to make music an integral part of the school experience.

From established programs with decades of recognition to first-time honorees expanding access and participation, these communities illustrate the many ways music education enriches students' lives.

Dinah Gretsch Impact Award: Extending the Impact of Music Education

While BCME recognizes communities for prioritizing music education, the Dinah Gretsch Impact Award offers an additional opportunity to support eligible schools and districts that demonstrate financial need and are committed to strengthening their programs.

In 2027, up to 10 recipients will receive awards of up to $5,000 each to help sustain and expand music education opportunities. Title I schools, districts with Title I schools, and non-public schools demonstrating financial need are eligible to apply through the BCME application process.

The award honors Dinah Gretsch and her enduring commitment to music education, access and the belief that music can create opportunity and connection for every student.

28 Years of Raising the Bar for Music Education

For nearly three decades, the Best Communities for Music Education program has provided national recognition for schools and districts that make music education a priority.

BCME honorees demonstrate their commitment through investment in music programs, access and participation, quality instruction, community engagement and sustained support. Their achievements show how schools and communities can work together to make music an enduring part of students' educational experiences.

By recognizing these communities, The NAMM Foundation celebrates what is working, elevates the importance of music education nationwide and encourages more school districts to invest in opportunities that help students learn, grow and thrive through music.

2027 BCME Key Dates

• October 20, 2026: Applications open
  
  
• January 5, 2027: Application deadline
  
  
• Spring 2027: BCME honorees and Dinah Gretsch Impact Award recipients announced

School districts and individual schools nationwide are encouraged to apply and share how they are creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn, perform, create and connect through music.

Apply and learn more: Best Communities for Music Education

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity established in 2006, born from the National Association of Music Merchant's (NAMM) decades-long commitment to giving back. Since its founding, the Foundation has invested over $20 million to expand access to music making and music education for people of all ages.

Media Contact:
Josh Vittek
760-505-5674
[email protected] 

SOURCE NAMM