NAMM Foundation opens 2027 Best Communities for Music Education applications
- Applications are open Oct 20, 2026‑Jan 5, 2027 at nammfoundation.org/bcme.
- 2027 marks the program’s 28th consecutive year.
- The new Dinah Gretsch Impact Award can grant up to $5,000 to 10 schools.
- NAMM Foundation has invested over $20 million in music education since 2006.
- Title I and non‑public schools with financial need are eligible.
The NAMM Foundation opened applications on October 20, 2026 for the 2027 Best Communities for Music Education program, accepting submissions through January 5, 2027 at nammfoundation.org/bcme. The award marks the program’s 28th consecutive year of recognizing school districts and individual schools that prioritize music education as an essential part of a well‑rounded education.
The program’s goal is to demonstrate the value of sustained investment in music learning and to inspire other schools and districts to strengthen their own programs.
Program celebrates 28 years of recognizing music education leaders
The Best Communities for Music Education program aims to show the value of sustained investment in music learning and to inspire other schools and districts to strengthen their own programs. For nearly three decades the program has provided national recognition for schools and districts that make music education a priority. Honorees demonstrate commitment through investment in music programs, access and participation, quality instruction, community engagement and sustained support.
New Dinah Gretsch Impact Award offers up to $5,000 for needy schools
New for 2027, eligible BCME applicants may also apply for the Dinah Gretsch Impact Award, which will provide awards of up to $5,000 each to as many as ten schools and districts demonstrating financial need and a commitment to strengthening and sustaining music education. Title I schools, districts with Title I schools, and non‑public schools showing financial need are eligible to apply through the BCME application process, with up to ten recipients receiving up to $5,000 each. 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.
NAMM Foundation’s charitable mission and funding record
The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity established in 2006, born from the National Association of Music Merchants' decades‑long commitment to giving back. It has invested over $20 million to expand access to music making and music education for people of all ages. NAMM is the world’s largest not‑for‑profit music trade organization.
Who can apply: schools, districts and community partners
The Best Communities for Music Education program shines a national spotlight on educators, school leaders, families and community partners working to ensure students have meaningful opportunities to participate in music.
Other music‑focused scholarships announced this week
The Sphinx Competition invites Black and Latinx classical string players under thirty to submit video auditions in violin, viola, cello or double bass. The WBDI College Scholarships target female instrumental music majors who aim to become band directors. The Jean L. Petitt Memorial Music Scholarship Competition accepts instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers eighteen and under who perform musical theater, big band, swing, jazz or light classics and must live and attend school in the seven‑county Greater Cleveland region. The Bill Wells Memorial Youth Scholarship offers support to South Carolina students in grades six through twelve who play fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, dobro, dulcimer or sing in bluegrass or traditional music. The Edwin Mahiai Copp Beamer Scholarship provides aid to college students studying voice or piano with an emphasis on Hawaiian music, opera or musical theatre. The Rainbow City Band Scholarship is available to LGBTQ+ students residing in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington who pursue a degree in music or music education. The Thea Foundation Performing Arts Competition Scholarship accepts applications from high school seniors and GED students in Arkansas who submit a two‑minute audition video of singing, dancing, acting or spoken‑word poetry; instrumental solos and a cappella performances are not accepted. The Space Coast Jazz Society Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Brevard County, Florida who plan to study music with a focus on jazz.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 28 Years of Championing Music Education: NAMM Foundation Opens 2027 Best Communities for Music Education Applications (prnewswire.com)
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