A New Year – and Potentially Plenty of Change – Awaits

Within this issue we share the results of the 32^nd annual MMR Dealers’ Choice Awards. Many congratulations to the winning suppliers who have designed and manufactured instruments that help creative individuals pursue their musical ambitions on stages big and small, in bedrooms and studio apartments, and at all stages of life!

The coming year is one in which many realities may shift and it will behoove all MI retailers and suppliers to keep an eye on developments in policy and the economy in order to adapt and succeed. A few months ago, the nation elected a new president and, with that, certain aspects of music education in public schools – a crucial cornerstone in creating the very consumers who sustain our industry – may be subject to change.

During its first term, the Trump administration proposed cuts to the Department of Education and sought to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for Humanities (NEH). These agencies, while not the primary source of all K-12 arts funding, do support initiatives that enhance music education efforts through grants and community engagement. If similar cuts are pursued in 2025, music education – particularly in underserved school districts – could face intensified resource constraints. Public schools with fewer resources are typically the first to feel the sting of federal and state budget cuts. If support is withdrawn or diminished, music ed could increasingly become the realm of well-funded private and suburban schools, further widening existing opportunity gaps.

Whatever your political stance and regardless of who you, personally, voted for this past November, this is an issue that has immediate and direct relevance on the professional health of every single person reading this issue of MMR.

The previous Trump administration heavily emphasized STEM education – often at the expense of the broader “STEAM” (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) initiatives. Many advocates fear that in the coming years this focus could jeopardize the critical role of the arts in fostering creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking – oh, and by the way, keeping your stores and businesses thriving.

Grassroot actions – parent-teacher associations, and national organizations like NAfME and NAMM will play a critical role in expanding access to quality musical education.

One very significant opportunity to help in these efforts in rapidly approaching: the NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In takes place from May 5-8, 2025. Delegates will gather in the Capitol to advocate for greater and sustained access – for all – to music education. Having attended multiple Fly-Ins, myself, I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet participated to consider doing so.

Music education is not a partisan issue. Your business depends on it, the culture of music-making relies on it. Stay aware, stay nimble, be pragmatic, and most of all, be involved.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful and safe 2024 holiday season, and here’s to a successful and exciting 2025!