Our Mission
The National Music Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and celebrate American music through educational programs.

Education

Music in general, and American music in particular, is disappearing from our classrooms, usually because of budget cuts and the misguided belief that the arts are not essential. The American Music Education Initiative is our primary education program. Through the AMEI we encourage, recognize and help support teachers who are using American music in their classrooms. We also make it easier for other teachers to use American music by giving them free lesson plans that have been developed by teachers, proven in the classroom and acknowledged by education professionals

The AMEI consists of an annual nation-wide competition for lesson plans dealing with American music, and a free on-line database of the winning plans. Through the competition, we receive hundreds of lesson plans from teachers all over the country. A distinguished panel of judges, including classroom teachers, professors of music education, and leaders of music-related organizations, reviews the lesson plans and selects a limited number to receive cash grant awards.

The award-winning lesson plans, plus additional plans designated "honorable mention", are posted on our web site, in an easily used database. The database is available at no charge to teachers everywhere.

The Board of Directors

A comprehensive cross-section of the music world is represented on the Foundation's Board of Directors. Joey Dee, Jessye Norman, Smokey Robinson and Travis Tritt are performers who among them cover many of the country's most familiar musical styles. Gloria Pennington, President and CEO, is a well-known leader in the not-for-profit field.

The Board Of Directors

Chairman of the Board: Barry M. Glenn
President and CEO: Gloria Pennington
Secretary/Treasurer: Jacquelyn Veltman

Members of the Board:
Joey Dee*
Barry M. Glenn
Candace Glickman
Jessye Norman
Gloria Pennington
Travis Tritt
Jacquelyn Veltman


- *Founder

The Encore Club

A group of the Foundation's key volunteers have formed The Encore Club. These volunteers donate at least one thousand dollars per year. Members of the Encore Club participate in special activities and events designed specifically for the Club. These have included trips to attend the American Music Awards (including the post-show party) and the all-star performances at the annual gathering of the Country Radio Broadcasters in Nashville.