Music Educators and Students, Advocates and Arts Leaders to Convene at The 2019 NAMM Show

The NAMM Foundation has announced a multitude of events and professional development opportunities for college music students and faculty, music educators and administrators, emerging professionals, nonprofit leaders, and advocates to advance their networks and education, and to rally in a united spirit in support of music education at The 2019 NAMM Show (January 24-27) in Anaheim, California.

Professional Development

The NAMM Foundation’s programs will convene stakeholders and influencers in music and connect them to the vast array of products and programs featured at The NAMM Show. Beginning Thursday, January 24, The NAMM Foundation will again welcome college music students and faculty to attend GenNext which provides access to education sessions organized by the College Music Society (CMS) that explore career options in the music industry and for faculty, provide one-of-a-kind professional development opportunities. Participants will also experience special events and concerts, while developing camaraderie with their peers and with music industry professionals that will enhance blossoming careers and provide meaningful professional connections. The GenNext program will welcome more than 2,000 college music students and faculty, including 69 recipients of NAMM’s President’s Innovation Award.

For pre-K-12 music teachers and administrators, The NAMM Foundation presents Music Education Days (MED). Now in its twelfth year, the program will offer music teachers and administrators networking opportunities and the chance to experience the newest innovations in school band and orchestra instruments. MED attendees are also invited to participate in new product and technology showcases. The showcases are designed to offer attendees speed-round presentations of a variety of musical instruments, software and programs for the classroom and beyond.

The Nonprofit Management Institute: a series of six progressive sessions covering best practices in nonprofit governance and management returns for its second year. The program will welcome nearly 100 of the Foundation’s partner organizations and grantees on topics such as “The Role of Strategic Planning, Fundraising and Program Development;” “Music’s Essential Role in Emotional Well-Being;” and more.

Advocacy in Action

Other NAMM Foundation activities include the annual Day of Service. On Tuesday, January 22, NAMM members will gather at Loara Elementary School to help students learn to play ukulele, guitar and drums, as well as engage in choral and movement sessions. Now in its fifth year, the day aims to put “advocacy into action” with support for the Anaheim Elementary School District and its efforts to provide music education to every child.

On Saturday, The Grand Rally for Music Education, an annual celebration that honors the champions and advocates of music education, will welcome Grammy-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre for a special performance, with audience participation, followed by an encore viewing of his new film, "Deep Field,” inspired by the iconic Hubble Telescope’s Deep Field images. The Grand Rally will also feature a performance from trumpet soloist, Jonathan Dely.

Special Events

The NAMM Foundation will welcome Show attendees on Thursday, January 24 with The Celebration of Music Education performance from Black Violin on the NAMM Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. And Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive, multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys. 

At the end of Friday and Saturday, Lounge 88 on the Convention Center’s third level will come alive with Roomful of Pianos; a concept which will see spectacular multiple piano music, with pianists from around the country performing symphonic arrangements, jazz explorations, and clangorous delights for 15 or 30 players with the music of Paul Dukas and Claude Debussy. Performances will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Community music making events will also take place on Friday and Sunday at the Show: An all-industry drum circle (Friday, 5:45pm Palm Terrace); a ukulele circle (Sunday, 1:00pm NAMM Member Center); and a guitar circle (Sunday, 3:00pm NAMM Member Center).

In addition to the education and various networking events, professionals will have the chance to experience the latest in musical instruments and pro audio on The NAMM Show floor from nearly 2,000 exhibitors representing 7,000 brands, enjoy daily performances on the NAMM Yamaha Grand Plaza and NAMM Pioneer Pro Audio Arena Plaza Stages, as well as networking events with like-minded professionals.

For a complete list of NAMM Foundation activities, please visit www.nammfoundation.org or professional development programs at https://ww1.namm.org/thenammshow/2019/education

The NAMM Foundation’s GenNext, Music Education Days, and The Nonprofit Institute are just three programs from the suite of professional development opportunities at The 2019 NAMM Show, which also includes NAMM U; TEC Tracks; A3E’s The Future of Audio program; Audinate’s Dante Certification Training; AES@NAMM: Pro Sound Symposium Live and Studio curated by the Audio Engineering Society; and event technology sessions, curated by ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association); The Pro Production Sessions presented by Front of House and Projection Lights & Staging News magazines; and Lighting&Sound America/PLASA. These educational sessions will take place at the NAMM U Education Center at the Hilton Anaheim, located next door to the Anaheim Convention Center, and are open to NAMM members.