Tune in as Amy Schendel, a Montana-based music educationadvocate and Fine Arts Coordinator for Billings Public Schools, joins host Jazzmone Sutton to explore the power of community-building in advocacy. Amy emphasizes that by contributing in small but meaningful ways in their own communities, educators can create ripple effects that demonstrate the value of their music programs, deepen local relationships, and lay the groundwork for lastingadvocacy.

Drawing on her experience teaching in rural Montana, sheshares how music educators across the state sustain advocacy efforts and mentorship, even when many work in siloed roles and often travel hours away to connect with the nearest peer. She reflects on how the state’s annual conference serves as a vital gathering point where shared experiences, intentional connection, and mutual support strengthen both mentorship and statewide advocacy.

In this episode of The Music Education Advocate Podcast, host Jazzmone Sutton sits down with Debbie Martinez, Nebraska Music Education Association Immediate Past President, for a candid conversation about working effectively with school and district administrators.

Debbie shares practical tips for building trust, aligning your music program with school priorities, and navigating conversations around budgets, staffing, and scheduling. From strengthening everyday communication to positioning music education as essential to student success, this episode offers down-to-earth advice to help educators approach admin as partners in advocacy—not obstacles.

In the season two premiere, West Virginia Music EducatorsAssociation Advocacy Chair Genesis Tomalko joins host Jazzmone Sutton for an inspiring conversation about stepping into advocacy leadership as a young musiceducator.

From discovering her passion for music education toembracing advocacy early in her career, Genesis shares how mentorship, storytelling, and transformative Hill Day experiences shaped her leadership journey. She reflects on finding the confidence to claim her seat at the table, helping expand advocacy efforts across West Virginia, and why new leaders don’t have to have all of the answers to make a lasting impact.

Join the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Christy Todd, and host Jazzmone Sutton as they discuss how to expand community engagement to meet the needs and goals of the students that we serve.

Episode Resources:

Story Arts 

Hall Pass Entertainment 

Share your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment below, in the NAfME Amplify or send Jazzmone an email at [email protected].

© 2023 National Association for Music Education

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Join Amanda Karhuse, NAfME Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy and Public Policy; Zachary Keita, NAfME Advocacy and Public Policy Communications Manager; and podcast host Jazzmone Sutton, NAfME State Advocacy Engagement Manager, as they provide an update on federal education legislation and appropriations.

Show Notes:

Support Federal Funding Campaign- Add your voice to the national call to support federal funding for programs impacting music education

Federal Funds Survey Results

Letter to support Non Defense Funding

Share your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment below, on Amplify or send Jazzmone an email at [email protected].

Students in Grand Island Public Schools in Grand Island, Nebraska, are experiencing more access to arts and music education, as well as resources, because of the collaborative advocacy and work of supporters and decision makers. Join host Jazzmone Sutton and Dr. Evan Lee, the Curriculum Coordinator for Fine Arts and Social Studies for Grand Island Public Schools, as they discuss using federal funds to support students by removing barriers in order to create a vision where all students can participate in music education.

If you have enjoyed this episode or have advocacy questions, send us a voice message below or post on the NAfME's Amplify platform.

© 2023 National Association for Music Education

If you have enjoyed this episode or have advocacy questions, send us a voice message below or post on the NAfME's Amplify platform.

Join Jazzmone and NAfME President Scott R. Sheehan as they discuss how educators and advocates participate in the daily work of NAfME and music education. President Sheehan is the director of bands and music department chair at the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Join President Sheehan to celebrate the efforts of music educators and advocates on behalf of music education in honor of the Music In Our Schools Month® 38th anniversary. Click here to register for the March 28th event.

Share your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment below, on Amplify or send Jazzmone an email at [email protected].

Resources and Links:

Contact your Congressional Members regarding the

Share Your Voice in the “What Music Means to Me” MIOSM Campaign

March 28th MIOSM Celebration Registration

© 2023 National Association for Music Education