National Association for Music Education (NAfME), among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. 

Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to music instruction taught by qualified teachers. NAfME’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion of music study as part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.

History of the Name

Originally called Music Supervisors’ National Conference; then, in 1934, they became Music Educators National Conference (MENC). In 1998, the name changed to MENC: The National Association for Music Education. On September 1, 2011, it was changed to the National Association for Music Education.