Association Reaches Out to Growing Market of Music Makers Over Age 50

NAMM brought the joys of Recreational Music Making (RMM) to one of the fastest growing market segments of music makers—people over the age of 50—at the fifth annual AARP National Event & Expo: Life@50+, held October 26–28 in Anaheim, Calif.

To introduce more than 25,000 AARP conference attendees to the many health and social benefits of RMM, NAMM staff and Members staged multiple hands-on music presentations and provided information on how to get involved in playing music. The association also hosted three daily drum circles.

Although RMM enhances the quality of life for people of all ages, NAMM-funded studies have found that involvement in music helps people over 50 reap rewards such as reduced burnout, improved mood states, decreased employee turnover; it even reverses the impact of stress at the DNA level.

With a staggering population growth of older individuals projected during the next few decades, and few meaningful, enjoyable and engaging stress-reducing options, the potential exists for the 50+ population to tap into the music market in their search for health and wellness solutions.

“It is NAMM’s mission to expand the music products industry on behalf of its Members,” says NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “Exposing attendees at the AARP conference to recreational music making opens up a whole new market for retailers to adults aged 50 and over. This segment of the population is ready to invest in musical instruments, and is looking forward to the social and health benefits that music making can bring them.”

NAMM also sponsored two main stage presentations at the AARP event featuring Scott Houston, A.K.A. PBS’ “The Piano Guy,” and John Fitzgerald and David Van Dorn of Remo. The presenters discussed how to access music lessons and explained in detail how music can improve participants’ overall health.

AARP members learned about several benefits of RMM, including the following: it promotes fun; unites body, mind and spirit; provides intellectual stimulation; reduces stress; and improves interpersonal communication.

Wrapping up the event, the Carlsbad, Calif.-based New Horizons Band performed as attendees left the show. New Horizons Music programs throughout the United States provide entry points to music making for adults, including those with no musical experience and those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long time. Program sponsors include music dealers, schools, community music schools, college music departments, recreation centers and senior centers.

Visit this page for more information about Recreational Music Making.