Amherst Recognized as a “Best Community for Music Education”

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District has been recognized by The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) with a Best Community for Music Education Award.  Amherst was one of 15 school districts (out of 306) in Massachusetts and 935 districts nationally to receive the award in 2025.  This was the first time that Amherst has received this award which is now in its 26^th year.   Find a listing of all 2025 awardees here.

The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education. 

Like any community, a thriving music education community requires broad participation, a sense of belonging, and structure. The Best Communities for Music Education Award recognizes that a healthy music community is defined by a wealth of passion and commitment from leaders who leverage every resource to expand opportunities for children to learn and grow through music-making. 

Throughout the award’s 26 years, the foundation has recognized thousands of school districts and schools in 46 states. From rural to metropolitan, large and small, public and non-public. The NAMM Foundation proudly honors the diversity of educational communities that support students’ musical growth Winning this award highlights a district’s dedication to music education and strengthens community pride and advocacy for music programs.

About the NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation, a non-profit supported by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), invests in the future of music making by supporting research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. Their goal is to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan, from children to adults.