Prop 28 Funding for Arts & Music in Los Angeles Schools

Prop 28 brings new state funding dedicated to arts and music education. ASMA helps Los Angeles schools turn those dollars into programs students love, while staying compliant.

What is Prop 28?

Prop 28 is California’s new law that provides ongoing, annual funding to every public school in the state, specifically for arts and music education.

  • Funds must be used for programs like music, theater, visual arts, and media arts.

  • At least 80% must go toward staffing (teachers, instructors, program leaders).

  • Up to 20% may be used for supplies, instruments, and program expenses.

 

For Los Angeles Unified District, this means more opportunities to hire arts educators, expand music programs, and give students access to experiences that were once considered “extras.”

What Prop 28 Means for Los Angeles Schools

Prop 28, also known as the Arts & Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act, dedicates ongoing funding for arts instruction in TK–12 public schools.

    • Every school receives a dedicated allocation.

    • 80% must fund credentialed arts staff or contracted program providers.

    • 20% can cover equipment, supplies, and training.

    • Funds are annual and can roll over if unused.

In Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and neighboring districts like Burbank, Pasadena, and Culver City, Prop 28 is fueling an arts renaissance and ASMA is helping make that happen.

Prop 28 Funding for Arts & Music in Los Angeles Schools

Turnkey Prop 28  Programs Los Angeles Schools Can Launch with Prop 28

 

Transform Prop 28 funding into hands-on learning experiences with ASMA’s custom Prop 28 arts and music programs for Los Angeles students:

  • Pop Band – modern, engaging music ensembles

  • Electric Music Lab – hands-on with keyboards, synths, and digital music

  • Premier Concert Band – full band experience with woodwinds, brass, percussion, and state-aligned music standards.
  • Banda – ukulele and guitar class blending chords, strumming, and group performance.
  • Drum Circle – collaborative drumming that teaches rhythm, creativity, and cultural connection.

Each program aligns with state arts standards, SEL outcomes, and Prop 28 funding guidelines for Los Angeles schools.

 

We Support Prop 28 Compliance and Implementation

Whether you’re launching new Prop 28 programs this semester or planning ahead for next year, After School Music Academy partners with Los Angeles schools to make the Prop 28 process easier, compliant, and sustainable.

  • Qualified Music Instructors

  • Support with Prop 28 waivers and staffing needs

  • Collaboration on attendance tracking and reporting
  • Turnkey music and arts programs aligned with Prop 28 guidelines

Drum instructor prop 28 california

Impact in Los Angeles

 

With Prop 28, every dollar invested can mean:

 

  • New music and arts instructors on staff

  • Students discovering creative voices they didn’t know they had

  • Stronger school identity and culture

  • More joy and engagement in school life

Los Angeles Prop 28 FAQs

What is Prop 28?

Prop 28 is California’s new law that provides annual arts and music funding to public schools.

Can Los Angeles districts partner with outside vendors?

Yes. Districts can contract with external providers like ASMA to deliver arts and music programs, as long as they meet Prop 28 compliance rules.

Which schools qualify in Los Angeles County?

All public schools, district-run and charter — across Los Angeles County qualify.

Do Prop 28 funds roll over if unused?

Yes. Unused funds can roll into the next fiscal year, but they must remain dedicated to arts and music programs.

How can Prop 28 help schools that already have music programs?

Funds can be used to expand existing programs, reduce class sizes, or introduce new ensembles (like mariachi, drumline, or digital music labs).

What if a school doesn’t have staff to launch programs right away?

Districts may contract with vendors like ASMA for turnkey solutions or request waivers through the state if staffing proves challenging. When schools partner with us, we also help walk them through the waiver process step by step to ensure compliance and make implementation seamless.

Meet After School Music Academy’s Founder

David is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at The College Preparatory School in Oakland, which is consistently ranked among the top 10 private high schools in the U.S.

In 2015, David created After School Music Academy after witnessing a need for more music education in the after-school enrichment space. By serving California’s schools through this shortage, David uniquely understands the challenges school districts face to onboard quality music and arts enrichment programs. In the last decade, ASMA has grown to serve thousands of students each week.