MPUSD Hits a High Note with National Music Education Honor: Six Years Strong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2025
Contact:
Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications & Engagement
831-706-6971
MPUSD Hits a High Note with National Music Education Honor: Six Years Strong
MPUSD Music Education Program Nationally Recognized for Sixth Time
Monterey, CA – The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. This marks the sixth time MPUSD has received this prestigious national recognition. This recognition is especially significant at a time when many districts across California are unable to prioritize music or arts education due to decreased funding.
“This honor not only reflects MPUSD’s commitment to visual and performing arts, but it exemplifies the value our community places on a vibrant program,” said Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh. “Each year we ask our students, families, staff, and community how we should invest our funding, and the arts consistently rise to the top. Music education continues to be a priority.”
Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts across the country that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to access and excellence in music education for all students. This year, more than 1,000 districts and individual school sites were recognized for their efforts in making music part of a well-rounded education.
The Best Communities for Music Education designation celebrates the collaborative efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who make music education a vital part of a well-rounded learning experience. MPUSD is one of only 935 school districts nationwide to receive this honor, recognized for its strong commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music programs. The designation reflects not only what’s happening in classrooms, but also the broader community support that helps music education thrive.
“At MPUSD, educating the whole child is encouraged,” said Jaqui Hope, MPUSD Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator. “The arts, especially music, play a unique role in helping students express themselves, connect with others, and thrive academically and socially.”
Music is offered at every grade level across MPUSD. Students in grades 1 through 5 have weekly music classes and perform at school-wide events throughout the year. Instrumental lessons are available starting in 5th grade and continue into middle and high school. Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students engage in music through singing and movement, while after school musicals are held at the elementary and middle school levels.
Research continues to show that music education provides powerful cognitive, academic, and social benefits. Students involved in music are more likely to perform better in school, graduate, attend college, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, listening, and creativity.
About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District serves approximately 9,300 students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, along with preschool and adult education programs. The district spans the Monterey Peninsula, serving the communities of Marina, Seaside, Monterey, Del Rey Oaks, and Sand City. MPUSD is grounded in a strong foundation of effective instruction, inclusive school culture, systems of support, and collaborative leadership.
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. For more information, visit www.nammfoundation.org.