NAMM University Hits 50,000 Student Milestone

NAMM University, the association’s center of higher learning for MI professionals, recently announced that more than 50,000 people have attended its live business courses and seminars.

Launched in August of 1995, NAMM U provides training and professional development to music product retailers and manufacturers around the world. The curriculum is tailored to the industry, allowing students to proactively update their skill sets and remain competitive in today’s aggressive marketplace.

“I have yet to attend one of the NAMM U seminars that wasn’t worth the investment in time,” said Tom Price, co-owner of PM Music in Jackson, Tenn. “I always learn things that I can use.”

In seven years, NAMM U has provided more than 400 one- and two-day courses to association Members in over 35 cities in North America, including Canada and Mexico. Subjects include music product sales, marketing, customer service, hiring employees and merchandising; several new exhibitor courses are currently under development. The association offers numerous ways for Members to take advantage of its professional development courses, from the popular regional training seminars to the plethora of free sessions available at the NAMM trade shows. Now there are even convenient online courses.

“After speaking at a variety of conferences and trade shows, I was really impressed by just how much NAMM looks after its Members—especially at its shows,” said NAMM U Instructor Greg Welsh. “So many others charge substantial fees for the kinds of classes offered for free at the NAMM Show…and the quality of the education isn’t nearly as good as what NAMM offers its Members.”

NAMM U’s online courses enable students to learn at their own pace in the comfort of their home or office—or from anywhere in the world. Class fees are nominal, there’s no travel or out-of-store expenses, and students can take courses at their own pace. Of course, some topics are better served live, so NAMM University also offers comprehensive one-day and multi-day courses throughout the year, across the country.

“NAMM University classes are designed to help dealers of all sizes—especially small and independent retailers—stay competitive,” said Randy Beck, NAMM’s director of professional development. “We’re proud to have achieved this 50,000th student milestone, because we really want our Members to succeed. This tells us that we are indeed making an impact.”