06/23/2026
Music education is facing deep federal funding cuts to education programs impacting music programs! As the AMEA Executive Board meets with your U.S. Senators and Representatives tomorrow, we need your help to amplify their advocacy with your story today.
On April 3, President Trump released his administration’s FY 2027 budget proposal. Overall, the plan requests $76.5 billion for the Department of Education—a $2.3 billion (2.9%) decrease from the previous year. For music education, the implications could be significant, as the proposal calls for the complete elimination of several key federal funding streams.
Help us advocate for critical funding streams:
We encourage you all to get involved by contacting your members of Congress. When you reach out, urge them to strengthen funding for the following federal programs to support a well-rounded education that includes music and the arts. Specifically, we are asking them to fund these programs at the levels outlined below:
Title I — $18.68 billion
Currently funded at $18.4 billion, Title I provides resources to schools serving low-income students, including funding that can strengthen access to music education. The administration’s budget proposal would level-fund the program in FY 2027.
Title II — $3 billion
Funded at $2.2 billion for FY 2026, Title II supports educator recruitment and retention, builds professional expertise, and increases the number of high-quality educators nationwide — including music and arts instructors. The administration’s FY 2027 proposal calls for eliminating this program entirely.
Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants) — $1.6 billion
Currently funded at $1.4 billion, this flexible funding stream supports a well-rounded education that includes the arts, safe and healthy students, and the effective use of technology. The administration has proposed eliminating this program in FY 2027.
Assistance for Arts Education Program — $40 million
Funded at $36.5 million for FY 2026, this program supports professional development for arts educators, accessible instructional materials, and partnerships among schools, districts, and arts organizations. The administration’s proposal would eliminate this program entirely.
IDEA — $16.66 billion
Currently funded at $15.5 billion, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education, including access to arts learning opportunities. The administration has proposed $15.4 billion for IDEA in FY 2027.
Contact your members of Congress using this link:
Add Your Voice to the Fight for Music Education!
