Frisco ISD has once again been honored as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the United States for its outstanding commitment to music education. The District is proud to receive this honor for the sixth year in a row and for the seventh time in its history from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

“This is a tremendous achievement that recognizes the work of our exceptional music teachers,” said Pete Hazzard, managing director of fine arts. “The rigorous selection process takes into account music education from all angles – not just what is being done in the classroom, but how it is accomplished and, more importantly, why strong support exists in the community.”

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, Frisco ISD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.

“The benefits of fine arts and music education cannot be overstated,” Hazzard said. “Research shows that after just two years of music education, people show more substantial improvements in reading scores and how the brain processes speech than their less-involved peers. 

“Additionally, students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. We are thankful for the supportive community that sees the value of music and what it provides to every child.”