2026 Best Communities for Music Education

Once again, the Amherst Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation in 2026 from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This marks the tenth consecutive year that our district-wide music department has received this award recognizing the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders and their support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children. 

Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.  Amherst’s application was submitted with input from all music teachers, and included information on class sizes, budget, instrumental, choral, and general music curricular offerings, staffing, daily, weekly, and monthly instructional time.

Recipients are selected through a rigorous application and review process that evaluates key indicators including district support, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support.