NAMM Foundation to Co-Host The College Music Society Summit at the 2012 NAMM Show

The NAMM Foundation announced today that it will be collaborating with The College Music Society to co-host the Society's Summit at the 2012 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif. from Jan. 20-21.

The theme of the program is “Untapped Collaborations: Synergies Between the Music Products Industry and the Education of the Next Generation of Musicians.” The event is designed to engage college faculty, administrators and graduate students with leaders in the music products industry and collaborate on issues concerning music education, the practice of music, and the future of music’s role on society.

In collaboration with CMS, NAMM hopes to provide attendees of the Summit with the following:

• Introduce and articulate key issues facing the music education profession and the music products industry
• Heighten an understanding that music education and the music products industry go hand-in-hand
• Develop awareness about opportunities within the music products industry and provide strategies for college students to find internships
• Develop an understanding that partnerships between educators and the music products industry is crucial to building cohesive music education programs

  “Music education is a fundamental component of the music products industry,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “It is imperative that the two professions collaborate on the current issues that face music educators and the music products trade, and explore opportunities for strengthening both industries.”

Don Bowyer, professor of music at University of Alabama, Huntsville, and chair of the 2012 Summit Steering Committee, noted that: "The music products industry is critical to education in music wherever it takes place, as well as to the fabric of our cultural life globally. The 2012 Summit will enable CMS and NAMM to explore possibilities for collaboration in order to strengthen the efforts of educators and industry alike."

About College Music Society
The College Music Society promotes music teaching and learning, musical creativity and expression, research and dialogue, and diversity and interdisciplinary interaction. A consortium of college, conservatory, university, and independent musicians and scholars interested in all disciplines of music, the Society provides leadership and serves as an agent of change by addressing concerns facing music in higher education.

About the NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information, interested parties can visit www.nammfoundation.org