Music in Schools

1. Founded in 1924, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is an organization with approximately 615 accredited institutional members.  About 100,000 music majors are enrolled in these institutions annually. NASM uses national Standards that characterize basic requirements and conditions for the study of music . The Standards have a definitive impact on curriculum and subsequent knowledge base of students educated by these institutions. Music in Schools

2. NASM Accreditation Standards Fifty percent (50%) of undergraduate music majors in NASM programs are preparing to become elementary school music teachers or middle and high school band, orchestra, and choir directors. The NASM Standards directly influence the knowledge and skill base of teaching professionals that eventually touch the lives of countless children, teenagers, and young adults throughout the United States. In the state of Texas alone, about 600,000 middle and high school students are enrolled in numerous ensemble-based music programs every year.

3. New Health and Wellness Effort – June 2010 NASM and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) have agreed to cooperate and lead in the development of studies and projects focused on the health and wellness of musicians. The primary goal is the production and dissemination of information for students, faculty, and administrators. Hearing issues will be the first area of emphasis. The agreement enables the knowledge, skills, and contextual understandings of medical doctors and music administrators to be combined and coordinated at a new and more formal level. NASM and PAMA will consult with their respective memberships and other interested organizations (Athletes and the Arts) as projects develop.

4. New NASM Standard - Nov 2011NASM HANDBOOK 2011–12 Pg 66 It is the obligation of the institution that all students in music programs be fully apprised of health and safety issues, hazards, and procedures inherent in practice, performance, teaching and listening both in general and as applicable to their specific specializations. This includes but is not limited to information regarding hearing, vocal, and musculoskeletal health and injury prevention, and the use, proper handling, and operation of potentially dangerous materials, equipment, and technology. Music program policies, protocols, and operations must reflect attention to injury prevention and to the relationships among musicians’ health, the fitness and safety of equipment and technology, and the acoustic and other health-related conditions in practice, rehearsal, and performance facilities. Specific methods for addressing these issues are the prerogative of the institution.

5. OPPORTUNITY To address health and safety issues (including applying EXERCISE IS MEDICINE concepts) in 615 schools of music nationwide (100,000 music students annually) who then impact a new generation of musicians (thru teaching) or the professional performing arts community (thru performing)

6. For More Information Contact: Julie Massaro Executive Director Performing Arts Medical Association 303-808-5643 Executive@artsmed.org P.O. Box 440301 Aurora, Colorado 80044-0301 USA