CARLSBAD, Calif., November 15, 2006—NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, recently hosted an exhibition at the fifth annual AARP National Event & Expo called Life@50+, to demonstrate to attendees the many health and social benefits of recreational music making (RMM) after the age of 50.

The event was held Oct. 26 to 28, 2006, at the Anaheim Convention Center and drew about 25,000 AARP members and nearly 450 exhibitors.

To give people a feel for playing music, NAMM Members hosted multiple hands-on music presentations focusing on RMM programs and products in the NAMM Music Village booth. The association also hosted three daily drum circles to entertain attendees.

In addition, NAMM sponsored two main stage presentations featuring Scott Houston, a.k.a. "The Piano Guy," and John Fitzgerald and David Van Dorn of Remo. The presenters discussed how to access music lessons and explained the health benefits of making music.

"It is NAMM’s mission to expand the music products industry on behalf of its Members," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "Exposing attendees at the AARP conference to recreational music making opens up a whole new market for retailers, which comprises 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."

Wrapping up the event, the Carlsbad New Horizons Band performed as attendees left the show. Located nationwide, New Horizons Music programs 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 period. Sponsors of the programs include music dealers, schools, community music schools, college music departments, recreation centers and senior centers.

About NAMM
The International Music Products Association, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization’s popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion global musical instruments and products industry. The association’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).