Ankit Yogi fondly recalls that his musically inclined grandfather inspired him to play the drums at an early age. His grandfather, affectionately known in the music industry as Mr. Yogi, ...
Larry Wines grew up in Hawaii, where being the only Caucasian student in his class gave him a unique, immersive exposure to diverse cultures. He learned traditional dances and folk songs ...
Paul Wiffen was on tour with Michael Jackson in England when word spread that Princess Diana might attend the show. Concerned about offending her, Michael asked Paul to inform the crew th...
Malcolm Weldon still smiles when he recalls his first concert—Earth, Wind & Fire—an experience that sparked his passion for live sound. Determined to turn that inspiration into a care...
Sam Tritico has spent over five decades as a respected and well-loved music retailer, dedicated to helping musicians find their perfect sound. His love for music began as a child when his...
Zoe Thrall discovered her passion for audio engineering in college after years of musical exploration, having started with the flute at age seven before mastering saxophone and oboe. Dete...
Yoshiaki Tanaka, though not a musician himself, has always harbored a deep appreciation for music and a steadfast commitment to music education. Appointed president of the Ikebe Musical I...
Preston Smith is immensely proud of his vibrant musical journey as a versatile musician and songwriter, primarily because of the extraordinary people he has had the fortune to collaborate...
Howie Simon is a seasoned musical journeyman with a profound love for playing music as well as a deep appreciation for the gear he plays. Born in Buffalo, New York, young Howie began play...
David Silverman is a visionary animator, writer and musician best known for his pivotal role in shaping The Simpsons. As a longtime supervising director, he brought dynamic energy and exp...
Michael Santucci, AuD is an award-winning audiologist and the pioneering founder and president of Sensaphonics, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois. For over 40 years, he has been a leading ...
Paula Salvatore is a legendary studio manager whose journey from Rhode Island to Los Angeles embodies her dual passions for music and fashion. Initially moving to LA to pursue fashion des...
Rich Renken attended Dick Grove’s School of Music in California, where he first encountered the innovative craftsmanship of the James Tyler Guitar Company. Instantly captivated by the met...
Danno Petersen was beating out rhythms for as long as he can remember. Encouraged by his parents, who established an organization to encourage young people to make music, Danno followed i...
Danny Petersen was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where his father was the musical director of their church. Young Danny began playing bongos in his father’s band and by 11, he found hi...
Marco Mendoza is a seasoned American bassist renowned for his dynamic performances and versatility across multiple genres, including hard rock, heavy metal, jazz fusion, and Latin grooves...
Larry McDonald grew up surrounded by music in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a father who performed in the symphony. By age 13, he was mastering classical guitar, igniting a lifelong passion ...
David “Rat” Levine vividly remembers his early days in Southern California, when the punk band Black Flag rehearsed just up the street in an old Baptist church. He started hanging around,...
Jeff Lace serves as Vice President of Actodyne General International, known in the music industry as Lace Music Products. Founded in 1979 by his father, Don Lace Sr., the company began in...
Luis Fabara picked up the bass in 1995 to join a local band in his hometown in Ecuador. Influenced by heavy metal legends like Iron Maiden and Ozzy Osbourne, Luis developed a distinctive ...
Cydnea Dean (Squid) is a devoted educator specializing in supporting special needs children through the transformative power of music. Growing up in Northridge, California, with a Caribbe...
Ted Cohen founded TAG Strategic to help companies understand how technology can empower, rather than threaten, the future of music. As early fears around AI and digital disruption took ho...
Emily Bornt discovered her love for music and theater early, starting with the recorder before moving to saxophone and guitar in her school’s jazz and marching bands. In middle school, a ...
Mario Biferali has dedicated his career to the world of guitars, working closely with Robert Godin, the visionary founder of Godin Guitars. Since its inception in 1972, the Canadian-based...
Humberto Bermeo was immersed in music from an early age in Ecuador, inspired by his father’s guitar playing. He formed a punk rock band, recording his first album that showcased his raw e...
Jessie Osborne has always been deeply passionate about music and lifelong learning. When she joined the team at Spicer’s Music in Auburn, Alabama, it was a natural fit. As the dedicated a...
Max Ivchenko was born in Ukraine and became the first person from his country featured in the NAMM Oral History program during the 2025 NAMM Show. From a young age, Max was captivated by ...
Angelica Primachenko grew up immersed in the rich harmonies of church music, with her father serving as musical director. Surrounded by hymns and worship songs from childhood, she develop...
Carole Moss grew up in Southern California with a deep passion for music. At 17, she met drummer and songwriter Ty Moss, who would become her husband. Together, they attended numerous sta...
