“What Music Means To Me” Brings Multi-Media Exploration of Music’s Significance to the NAMM Museum of Making Music

Combining moving testimonials, original photographs and audience participation, the NAMM Museum of Making Music unveils “What Music Means to Me" its most personal and interactive exhibit yet. Inspired by Richard Rejino's multifaceted project of the same name, “What Music Means to Me” opens up a channel where music makers—amateur, accomplished or aspiring—can communicate the power of music in their lives. Patrons are invited to view, listen and contribute to the experiential exhibition, which opens on December 12, 2014 and runs through August 2015.

“We were interested in creating an exhibition around Rejino’s work because it shines a light on the core purpose of our work at the Museum of Making Music,” said Museum executive director Carolyn Grant. “We believe that music-making matters, that it is significant to the human experience. This unique exhibit illustrates that music-making offers direct access to expression through sound. Through music, we can connect at a very deep level with life--from the everyday happenings of our existence, to life's beauty, sorrow, hopes, or simply the unnameable.”

The exhibit incorporates original video footage, photography and quotes from people of all ages for whom music has proved essential and life-changing. A wide variety of music makers are represented in the video including actor/pianist Robert Downey, Jr., NAMM member Tish Ciravolo, students from Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary, members of the Museum's New Horizons Band and NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond.

A December 12 concert event introduces the exhibit to the community. Museum members and guests are invited to view photos and videos, contribute their own messages, and learn more about the What Music Means to Me project. Project mentor Richard Rejino will discuss his passionate goal to raise public awareness of the benefits of music in education and in all stages of life. Special guests, some of whom are featured in his book, will join Rejino in discussion. America’s Got Talent alumnus Lewis Warren Jr., who has been playing piano professionally since age 8, will perform.

Throughout the exhibit’s eight-month Museum residency, patrons may contribute a personal reflection on music’s significance at museumofmakingmusic.org/MusicMeans and on the Museum’s social media channels.

This special exhibition opens Friday, December 12. Opening night admission is $15, Museum and NAMM members are free. An interactive Family Open House, including a chance to make a drum, is on Saturday, December 13, from 2 – 4 p.m. Purchase tickets to events and learn more about the exhibit online.

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About The Museum of Making Music
The Museum of Making Music, a division of the NAMM Foundation, explores the history and impact of the music products industry and connects people of all ages with hands-on music making. Open to the public at NAMM industry headquarters since 2000, the Museum showcases the story of making, selling and using musical instruments and products from 1900 to present day. Committed to connecting people of all ages in active music making, the Museum offers performances, educational outreach programs, and hands-on workshops year-round. The Museum opens to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and to NAMM members daily. For more information, call (760) 438-5996, visit www.museumofmakingmusic.org, and follow on Twitter and Facebook.