Music Industry Associations

Dominique Agnew has been dedicated to the music industry, serving NAMM for over 25 years -- most notably as the Associate Director for Trade Show Sales. She bore witness to the growth of the Anaheim Show in the late 1980s and played a vital role in the expansion of international exhibitors over the years. Dominique began her career at NAMM covering nearly every aspect of the trade show, from meetings and events to registration and sales. Her perspective on the development of the industry has been important to the Oral History Collection for documenting our industry’s history. 

Winfried Baumbach came to represent the German musical instrument industry beginning in the 1980s. As the managing director of the European Music Industries Association, he has played a vital role in the organization and development of the German market. He has also been key in the expansion of the German music market within the larger global economy. His experience working in the industry began in publishing, where he developed a greater awareness of the music products industry.  

Harold Bradley is one of the most recorded guitarists in the history of Nashville. Harold and his brother, the legendary producer, Owen Bradley, created a new feel in country music, a style known today as the “Nashville Sound.” Harold can be heard on classic recordings such as “Crazy” by Patsy Cline and “Little Sister” by Elvis Presley. Advocating music education and playing a strong role in preserving the history of music and its Nashville connection, Harold has been a popular and effective leader as President of the Musicians Union and an author of several important articles on music and music making.  

Brian Chung grew up surrounded by music and played piano at an early age. He earned an MBA and worked at ATT before returning to music. Brian wrote film scores using MIDI in the early 1980s, but injured his arm. As he wondered what he would do until his arm recovered, he applied and got a job at Kawai Pianos. Within several years he grew within the company, becoming president. During this time Brian became a strong supporter of many music education programs including those supported by NASMD, RPMDA and NAMM. 

Jim D’Addario has worked long and hard within the research and development arm of D’Addario, along with his brother John Jr. Headed by Jim, the engineering department has accumulated many important manufacturing and product patents in the field of music strings and musical accessories. He also helped expand the product line by important acquisitions, such as Evans Drumheads (1995) Planet Waves (1998), HQ Practice Products and Rico Reeds (both in 2004). Jim also has a strong interest in the history of not only his family and the family business but the background of the company and products the family has acquired.

Don Dillon is an industry original! Throughout his 25-plus years in non-profit association management, Don has represented some of the best-known organizations in the music industry, most notably the Piano Manufacturers Association International and National Piano Foundation. Don’s love of the business and his management firm team increased the membership and scope of non-for-profit music groups like the Retail Print Music Dealers Association, the National Association of School Music Dealers, International Society of Bassists and American Viola Society.

Brenda Dillon has played a vital role in the development and acceptance of group piano lessons based on the concept of recreational music making. As a strong advocate of RMM, Brenda has promoted the many benefits to students and to teachers. Brought up on the piano and having studied music in college, Brenda has been a life-long supporter of music and music making. Along with her husband, Don, she has also designed and developed educational programs and methods, which have been embraced by companies and associations the world over.  

Robert Dove joined Steinway & Sons at a time of global change and development. He helped establish the Far East division of the piano company and for many years assisted with the company’s growth in the US and in Asia. He helped to develop the company’s two OEM brands, Boston and Essex and worked on creating sales and marketing programs for the Steinway dealers, worldwide.

Paul Heid grew up in the music retail world. His father formed Heid Music in Appleton, WI, and Paul along with his brother, Robert, followed in their father’s footsteps. Paul served on several industry boards including NASMD and NAMM. During his time on the NAMM Board, Paul served as Chairman (2003-2005) and was instrumental in the establishment of NAMM International and NAMM’s relationship with China in the early 2000’s.
 

Jerry Hershman was a regular fixture at the NAMM Show. In fact, in 50 years, he never missed a convention. During one of his last shows before his retirement, Jerry was interviewed for the NAMM Oral History program. His father formed a New York wholesale company called Hershman Musical Instrument Company and the day after college graduation Jerry joined his father in the business and never left. Jerry was also the founder and president of J&D Music Services, and was very active in the trade associations and conventions.