News Releases

Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-San Diego) today announced $225,000 in new appropriations for music-brain research during a visit to NAMM headquarters. Cunningham was on hand at the Museum of Making Music to assist in the local launch of the “MusicVentures in School” program, a federally funded effort designed to support parent, educator and student involvement in music making.

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, today announced that some 67,601 industry professionals, a 4 percent increase from last year’s record-breaking registration, came to the 2003 NAMM Show in Anaheim to see the latest music products and learn new ways to improve their businesses.

NAMM Chairman Stephen West presided over the 2003 Annual Meeting of Members yesterday. After introducing past presidents in attendance, West called for the vote of the new slate of NAMM Board of Directors. The following NAMM Members were elected for service from 2003 to 2006: Sam Ash, executive vice president of Sam Ash Music Corporation, a full-line retailer based in Hicksville, N.Y.

The third day of the 2003 NAMM Show saw some interesting celebrity appearances. While attendees caught a glimpse of Stevie Wonder, Buckethead and Bootsy Collins walking the exhibit halls, a booth performance by Eddie Van Halen drew a following of its own.

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, opened the second day of its 2003 trade show yesterday with several early-morning NAMM University sessions for attendees. Speakers addressed topics ranging from budgeting and customer service to marketing and staff motivation. NAMM U’s schedule also included informational panels, along with a powerful keynote session by Donald Cooper—“The 90-Minute MBA: 10 Things You Must Absolutely Know about Your Customers, Your Business and Your Life.”

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, gave a warm California welcome to attendees of its annual winter trade show, as the sounds of The Beach Boys’ “I Get Around” filled the air at show opening, performed by the Fernand L. Petiot All-Industry Memorial Band. The 2003 NAMM Show, which began yesterday and runs through January 19 at the Anaheim Convention Center, features a record 1,311 exhibiting companies and is open to members of the international music products industry and media who cover musical instruments and products.

Just in time for the 2003 NAMM Show in Anaheim, the American Music Conference (AMC) has unveiled its new Web site at www.amc-music.org. The same address that has already earned a reputation as the one-stop resource for music making is now home to a new site that’s a better fit for today’s users—and today’s AMC.

The fourth annual “Best 100 Communities for Music Education” survey is underway, and supporters of music across the country should take note that the American Music Conference (AMC) and its partners have moved up the annual timetable to make it easier for more people to participate.

Continuing its long history of success, the 101st NAMM Show opened today, bringing together a record 1,309 exhibiting companies, a record number of international attendees and thousands of retail buyers for the music products industry’s largest annual event in the United States.

A new and exciting element to enhance NAMM’s upcoming Music Edge teen initiative is its partnership with the USA WEEKEND/John Lennon Songwriting Contest for Teens. Today at 5 p.m., there will be a press reception to announce and kick off the second annual Teen Contest at the 2003 NAMM Show at the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus in Hall E of the Anaheim Convention Center. Vanessa Carlton, one of this year’s Teen Songwriting Contest celebrity judges, will be a special guest. Other surprises are anticipated.

Emmy Award winner Eric McCormack (NBC’s “Will & Grace”) will host The 2003 NAMM Concert Honoring Sir Elton John: A Benefit for Music Education, presented by Yamaha. The benefit will be held on January 17 at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, Calif.

The executive committee of the American Music Conference (AMC) today announced the appointment of Robert Walker as the nonprofit organization’s new executive director. Walker follows in the footsteps of Joe Lamond, Pat Page, Bob Morrison and Karl Bruhn as he takes the AMC reigns as executive director.