Clifton Public School District Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support Seven Years in a Row
CLIFTON, NJ – May 13, 2025 – The Clifton Public School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the Support Music Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
“Music education nurtures far more than technical skill; it sparks imagination, fosters discipline, and strengthens the cognitive development of our students,” said Dr. Danny A. Robertozzi, Superintendent of Schools. “Being recognized once again by The NAMM Foundation demonstrates the dedication of our educators and the enthusiasm of our students. This honor is a point of great pride for the Clifton Public School District.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Clifton 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 leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
"Earning this honor for the seventh consecutive year reaffirms the vital role the arts play in a well-rounded education, expressed Mr. Jason Leshowitz, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. “Music empowers our students to think creatively, collaborate meaningfully, and grow as individuals. This recognition shows our ongoing commitment to cultivating an environment where artistic expression is not just encouraged but celebrated.”
Extensive research continues to underscore the profound impact of music education on both academic achievement and personal development. Studies show that students engaged in music experience enhanced speech processing, improved reading scores, and stronger listening skills, which are critical for attention, memory, and understanding speech in noisy environments. Even decades after instruction ends, adults who studied music as children retain enhanced neural responses. Beyond academics, music fosters essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and the ability to navigate feedback, making it a powerful tool for shaping well-rounded, successful individuals.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
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