How can COVID relief funding support music education? 

Be Part of the Music

 

 

Our good friends at Be Part of the Music have created some important resources and you can access them all for FREE here: 

ESSER Worksheet Registration – Be Part of the Music (bpotm.org)

The law identifies 12 types of spending as allowable uses of ESSER funds, the first of which is “any activity authorized by the ESEA of 1965” and other federal education laws. This means that if funding an activity is authorized under any well-rounded education programs, such as the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant authorized under Title IV-A of ESSA, that purchase would be allowable with ESSER funds as well. Other federal laws for which ESSER funds can be used include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act, and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 

ESSER funds can also be used to support music instruction while mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Outlined below are potential purchases or payments these funds may support, identified with the relevant use number from the statute (included at the bottom of this post).

  • Purchasing masks, bell covers, or other protective equipment for use in the music classroom
    • Allowable under #3, #5
       
  • Supporting training for music educators on strategies to conduct in-person music instruction safely (see NFHS/NAfME Reopening Guidance)
    • Allowable under #6
       
  • Purchasing supplies to sanitize instruments (see Instrument Cleaning Guidelines)
    • Allowable under #7
       
  • Purchasing devices for internet connectivity, laptops, and/or supplemental software that would allow for instruction and assessment through virtual means
    • Allowable under #9
    • Korg Education offers solutions that make teaching meaningful through technology. 
       
  • Purchasing materials to set up music classroom with physical distance between students such as masking tape or outdoor tents and/or purchasing equipment, such as a media cart, to make the music classroom mobile.
    • Allowable under #12

 

 

Here is a sample list of prodcuts to get the wheels turning:

 

Korg GEC5 Lab System

Allows for group and individual two-way communication between teacher and students while maintaining a safe distance.

  • Provides resources needed to address coronavirus
  • Purchasing the hardware and software needed to conduct remote and hybrid learning
  • Supporting after school and summer learning programs
  • Supports returning students to the classroom

 

SoundKEY

Integrates with GEC5 Lab System.  It’s portability and user friendly design allows for easy integration into hybrid and remote learning options.

  • Provides resources needed to address coronavirus
  • Purchasing the hardware and software needed to conduct remote and hybrid learning
  • Supporting after school and summer learning programs
  • Supports returning students to the classroom
  • Promotes equity

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Korg microKEY

Portable, low-cost MIDI Keyboard that integrates with OS, iOS, Windows, Android, Chromebook.  Allows for equitable implementation in hybrid and remote learning options.

  • Provides resources needed to address coronavirus
  • Purchasing the hardware and software needed to conduct remote and hybrid learning
  • Supporting after school and summer learning programs
  • Supports returning students to the classroom
  • Promotes equity

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Visit these links to learn more about eligible uses of ESSER funds:

ESSER-Funding-Toolkit-2021.pdf (nafme.org)

COVID Relief Funding in the Music Classroom - NAfME

Post-Pandemic Planning Guides - KORG Education & MusicEdNow