Key facts
- Proposed tariffs on imported brass musical instruments could increase costs for U.S. schools and families.
- A 145% tariff on imports from China could raise the cost of an entry-level violin from $500 to over $1225.
- 65% of families cited rising instrument costs as a reason for children not participating in music programs.
- 1 in 5 schools have considered cutting music programs due to rising costs.
- Music education is linked to improved cognitive function, language development, emotional intelligence, and academic performance.
Proposed tariffs on imported brass musical instruments and parts could significantly increase costs for U.S. schools and families, potentially leading to cuts in music programs. Advocates are urging Congress to exclude these educational tools from expanded trade policies.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is considering expanding Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper derivative products to include brass wind instruments and related parts. If these products are subjected to additional tariffs, the cost will ultimately be borne by American schools, music programs, families, students, and musicians.
For school music programs already operating on limited budgets, even modest increases in the cost of instruments can have a significant impact. Trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas, euphoniums, and other brass instruments are considered essential educational tools, not luxury goods. Higher instrument prices can result in fewer instruments available for students, longer replacement cycles for aging school-owned instruments, increased repair costs, and greater financial barriers for families.
A 145% tariff on imports from China, for example, could raise the cost of an entry-level violin from $500 to over $1225. A survey by the National Association for Music Education found that 65% of families cited rising instrument costs as a reason their children did not participate in music programs. Furthermore, 1 in 5 schools have reported considering cuts to music programs because of rising costs.
Music education is recognized for providing students with opportunities to develop discipline, creativity, teamwork, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Research also indicates that music education can improve cognitive function, enhance language development, build emotional intelligence, and lead to higher scores on standardized tests. Advocates are urging members of Congress to contact the Department of Commerce and the Administration to advocate for brass musical instruments, parts, and accessories to be excluded from these proposed tariffs.