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Meet the women who run some of the music industry’s most respected studio spaces. You’ve likely heard the names of these “studio sisters” echoing down the halls of some of the most revered recording studios. They’ve been through every kind of session — the genius, the meltdown, the magic — and they hold it all in clear, steady perspective. Most of all, they’ve managed to teach a room full of audio professionals the code of studio etiquette where it counts most: in the control room. At this TEC Tracks session from The 2026 NAMM Show, they shared their stories of creativity and chao

Every music maker knows there’s no better feeling than creating music and capturing it with the innovative tools found in today’s modern recording studio. Whether that creative process happens in an L.A.-based state-of-the-art multi-room recording complex or the spare bedroom of a Brooklyn apartment building, there’s nothing like operating a creative space that entices artists to record what could be the next big Grammy hit or Spotify stream.  But studio owners' ideas of what a successful recording enterprise looks like tend to vary greatly, both in the technology installed and th

Legendary mix engineers Chris Lord‑Alge (CLA) and Tom Lord‑Alge (TLA) brought their fast, fearless and fiercely effective workflow to the stage for a packed TEC Tracks at The 2026 NAMM Show. The presentation pulled back the curtain on the exact techniques that have helped define modern hit-making. The session was moderated by pro audio executive Phil Wagner, a technology leader whose career spans senior roles at some of the industry’s most influential companies. Chris and Tom walked attendees through the fundamentals of building a ruthless, speed-driven workflow. Key takeaways inc

The U.S. Copyright Office refuses to copyright songs written or generated by AI. These works are considered public domain. If you write lyrics to AI-generated music, be careful: The lyrics might also end up being classified as public domain. The Grammy Association refuses to accept songs and recordings created solely by AI. Some songwriters, artists and producers find apps, such as Suno, helpful in preparing their songs. Film and TV companies frown on AI-created songs for placements in projects. So, in the long run, what purpose does AI serve? In this TEC Tracks session from The 2

In this TEC Tracks session from The 2026 NAMM Show, Josh Rogosin made the case that field recording isn’t just a creative technique — it’s a teaching tool. Drawing on recent experiences teaching faculty at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico and a recent trip to Finland’s Genelec factory to record onsite, he explored how location recording, storytelling through sound and the integration of video can deepen student understanding and engagement.  The session also revealed how to bring real-world sonic environments into the curriculum, preparing them to not only engineer music but also captur

In this TEC Tracks panel from The 2026 NAMM Show, veteran studio musicians shared their stories of high-profile recording sessions. They dove into their individual journeys, how each of them approaches their craft, what it means to "serve the song," what the current industry can incorporate from the old-school sessions and what it was like working with iconic artists and producers. Plus, they offered plenty of invaluable advice for younger, aspiring artists. The session was moderated by Thomas Claxton and inclued special guests: Leland Sklar (bassist for James Taylor, Phil Collins

Today’s most successful music retailers and brands are creating more than transactions — they’re redefining the customer experience. In this NAMM Idea Center session from The 2026 NAMM Show, Martin Guitar CEO Thomas Ripsam and industry leaders from top companies (Sarah Yule of Orange Amplification and Dominic Wagner of Thomann) shared an inside look at how retailers and manufacturers can create immersive, authentic and emotionally resonant connections that inspire musicians and strengthen brand loyalty in the modern experience economy. The session was moderated by Mike Nelson of M

Is AI really going to spell the end of musicians? No, but we can’t bring a knife to a gunfight. AI doesn't make music with a unique, stylistic fingerprint, so we have a powerful edge that we can leverage — if we recognize and take advantage of it. Presented by Craig Anderton, this revelatory TEC Tracks keynote by from The 2026 NAMM Show quantified the fundamental (yet rarely defined) differences between AI- and human-generated music — demolishing the argument that AI simply uses the same influence-based creation process as musicians. Discover powerful techniques to help you develo

Join acclaimed Instagram expert Jenn Herman to find out everything you need to know to use Instagram Reels for your music business. Whether in retail or manufacturing, Instagram is a powerful marketing tool to connect with your audience and customers — and in today’s landscape, Reels is a critical aspect of that strategy. In this session, Jenn shared tactics and tips to help you get more reach, improve retention time and drive engagement on your Reels. Walk away with helpful tips like good hooks, optimal video length and how to connect quickly with your viewers. This session will

Discover the magic of Instagram storytelling with world-leading Instagram expert Jenn Herman. Gone are the days when having a guitar simply hanging on your showroom wall was enough. Today, it's about crafting a compelling brand narrative — and Instagram is your canvas! Watch as Jenn demonstrated the process of refining your brand identity on Instagram to captivate your audience and attract more customers. Dive into strategic discussions about the power of branding and aesthetics and learn the tactics behind pinned posts, captions that connect and content types to fuel your message

The latest marketing strategy turning heads on TikTok and Instagram isn’t just about what you post — it’s about how you engage. Presented by social media expert Mallory Nees of Reverb, this session showed how brands are using the comments section as a powerful tool to boost visibility, drive engagement and spark viral conversations. Discover how to craft high-impact, on-brand replies that resonate with audiences, leverage social proof to build trust and create a sense of community through authentic interaction. In this session, Mallory explored real-world case studies of viral suc

Influencers aren’t just for big brands anymore — they’re a powerful tool for driving traffic, building trust and boosting sales at the local level. Whether you're an independent retailer or global brand, the right creator partnership can help you stand out in a crowded market. In this session, Bri Gonzales — former YouTube creator and now Yamaha’s manager of social media — shared proven tactics for tapping into the creator economy. Discover how to spot the right influencers, build partnerships that feel authentic and drive real-world results for your store. Find out how to use soc