News From the Music Education Policy Roundtable
- August 20, 2026
Proposed Tariff on Brass-Wind Instruments
The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed adding brass-wind musical instruments, parts, and accessories to the products subject to a 25% Section 232 tariff on steel, aluminum, and copper derivative products. If the proposal takes effect, it could raise the already-high cost of purchasing, repairing, and maintaining instruments used by school music programs nationwide.
The proposed tariff would affect the cost of brass-wind instruments ranging from trumpets and trombones to tubas and French horns, as well as the parts and accessories needed to maintain them.
How to take action:
- Read NAfME’s blog post to learn more
- Submit a public comment
- Sign NAfME’s advocacy campaign
NAMM SupportMusic Coalition Webinar
The NAMM SupportMusic Coalition held a webinar on August 5 that included updates on federal funding, ESSA waivers, and the federal earnings accountability rule. Watch the webinar here.
Music IS Education Coalition Webinar
The Music IS Education Coalition will hold its first webinar of the new school year on Thursday, September 10, at 7 PM ET. The event will feature the new Arts Education Partnership (AEP) report Arts Education, Durable Skills and Workforce Success; and strategies from the ASTA Advocacy Committee to support music education. Register here.
