Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in MENC: The National Association for Music Education! This tour will give you an overview of MENC's many products, services, activities, and programs - all the information you need to get the most out of your membership! (If you're not already a member, we hope you'll join us soon!)

When you want to reach MENC concerning your membership, contact MENC Member Services toll-free on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time at 800-828-0229. A variety of resources and the answers to many of your questions can be found on the MENC Web site at www.menc.org. (View a list of other important phone numbers.)

(Information is current as of April 23, 2009 and is subject to change.)

Introduction

MENC was founded in 1907 when 104 music supervisors from school districts in 16 states answered an invitation to take part in a special conference for school music supervisors in Keokuk, Iowa. Among the world's largest arts education organizations, MENC is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school.

Mission

To advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all.

Objectives

Through its many programs, activities, publications, and conferences, MENC addresses all aspects of music education and works to ensure that every student shall have access and exposure to a balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction. By promoting the best possible music education for all children and advancing music education as a profession, MENC seeks to advance music education by encouraging the making and study of music by all. MENC has four major goals:

• Every student in our nation's schools shall study music as part of the core curriculum.
• All school music programs shall be balanced, comprehensive, and sequential, as defined in the National Standards for Music Education and shall be provided with resources as defined in the Opportunity-to-Learn Standards for Music.
• All music instruction shall be delivered by well-prepared professional music educators, each of whom meets state requirements.
• Music educators and those who support music education shall view MENC as the primary association for ensuring the widespread advancement of the profession.