NAMM Attends AARP Event & Expo to Inform Members of the Health, Social Benefits of Recreational Music Making

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 October 26–28, 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, aka "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.