NAMM's SupportMusic Coalition Receives Special Commendation at IMC's Musical Rights Awards

TUNIS, Tunisia, October 19, 2009—NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, received a special commendation yesterday for the efforts of its SupportMusic Coalition at the inaugural International Music Council’s (IMC) Musical Rights Awards held during IMC’s World Forum on Music.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Coalition was Gary Ingle, CEO of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), an affiliate of the SupportMusic Coalition and long-time music education and music-making advocate.

“Music education advocacy in the United States has been a primary focus of hundreds of national, state, and local organizations for many decades,” said Ingle. “These ‘many voices’ promoted the positive effects of music in a person’s life; they supported research; and they advanced policy development at the national level. But they did it mostly individually, without the empowerment that comes from speaking with ‘one’ voice. The SupportMusic Coalition has met the critical need of engaging the Coalition affiliates in active dialogue and collaboration with individual citizens, especially parents.”

The SupportMusic Coalition is a public service led by U.S.-based NAMM and MENC: The National Association for Music Education, that seeks to strengthen community commitment and support for quality music education in schools.

The coalition comprises more than 200 organizations and businesses, representing more than seven million concerned citizens, working to ensure that music and arts instruction are part of a complete education for all children. Since strengthening music education is a worldwide concern due to its many proven benefits for students, several international organizations also participate in the SupportMusic Coalition.

IMC is a global network of expert organizations and individuals working in the field of music. Founded in 1949 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an association that encourages international peace and universal respect by promoting collaboration among nations, IMC is mandated to promote musical diversity and support cultural rights for all.

“NAMM is honored to be recognized by IMC,” said Mary Luehrsen, director of public affairs and government relations for NAMM. “NAMM shares the belief of IMC and its affiliate organizations from countries all over the world that music and music making are vital for all people and that barriers to access and equity are a mutual concern. On behalf of all SupportMusic Coalition affiliates and efforts by so many organizations to expand opportunities for music education, we extend our gratitude for receiving this important commendation.”

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