Clifton Public School District’s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition 4 Years in a Row

CLIFTON, NJ – April 20, 2023 – Clifton Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Clifton Public Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by The NAMM Foundation for our commitment to music education. At Clifton Public Schools, we believe that music education is an integral part of a well-rounded education, and we are dedicated to providing our students with access to high-quality music programs. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators, administrators, and students, and we are proud to receive this recognition,” said Clifton Superintendent Dr. Danny Robertozzi.

Since the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs. During the pandemic, music and arts programs were a vital component to keeping students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.

Jason Leshowitz, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts, said, “Receiving the Best Communities for Music Education award for the fourth year in a row is a tremendous honor for our district’s music program. This designation reaffirms our commitment to providing our students with a comprehensive music education that nurtures their creativity and enhances their cognitive and social skills. We are grateful for the support of our community, the dedication of our educators, and the opportunities provided by The NAMM Foundation to help us achieve this recognition.”

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school but also to attend college as well. In addition, everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.

Clifton Public Schools is a public school district committed to nurturing and empowering its students to become responsible and successful citizens. With a focus on academic excellence, inclusive learning environments, and comprehensive extracurricular programs, Clifton Public Schools continually fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of every individual, Clifton Public School remains dedicated to inspiring students to reach their full potential and building a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

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Press release via Clifton Public Schools

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