News Releases

NAMM members and musicians of all abilities tuned-up their instruments to welcome the Summer Solstice in a daylong, musical free-for-all in observance of the first-ever National Music Day, June 21. The sounds of free, of-the-people music filled the air in more than 514 cities in 110 countries around the world.

Entries are now being accepted for the 29th Annual TEC Awards, the music and sound industry’s most prestigious event celebrating excellence in technical and creative achievement. Products and projects to be considered for nomination may be submitted now through July 29, 2013. The TEC Awards ceremony will be held January 24 during the 2014 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.

Savvy retailers will be making holiday lists and checking them twice while previewing an abundant selection of trending and unique instruments, accessories, and other musical products on NAMM’s return to Nashville. Summer NAMM, held July 11-13 at Nashville’s new Music City Center, will feature items that holiday shoppers will be clamoring for in late fall, including gifts for aspiring musicians, portable instruments, accessories, and one-of-a-kind pieces for the musician who has it all, from more than 1,000 brands.

The longest day of the year fills with music as 25 city-wide celebrations along with smaller ones coast to coast join in the first-ever National Music Day on June 21, 2013. All are welcome to participate in the more than 2,000 free, outdoor concerts and occasions celebrating the Summer Solstice by making music.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announces 2013’s Top 100 Dealers. The top music instrument, product and sound retailers from around the world will be recognized at the annual summer music product trade show, Summer NAMM, held in Nashville, Tenn., on July 12, 2013. This year, the number of retailer entries in the Top 100 rose dramatically, elevating the competition and making way for many new names on the list.   

Just how large a role musical training plays in developing children’s critical language and learning skills is what Northwestern University’s Dr. Nina Kraus seeks to answer in two, pioneering brain studies. Over the next two years, funding from the NAMM Foundation empowers the research team led by Kraus to further examine the biological and behavioral effects of musical training in school-aged children, using the studies’ own subjects as controls.

130 companies from 14 countries, including major industry brands, took part in the second edition of NAMM Musikmesse Russia and Prolight + Sound NAMM Russia 2013 Comprehensive education, entertainment and business programs received a wide acclaim by top experts of the Russian market and media.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is pleased to announce that Cindy Sample will be joining the association staff as Director of Trade Show Operations this spring. Sample comes to NAMM from her previous position as Operations Director for Nielsen Expositions, where for nearly two decades she worked on more than 100 trade events with Outdoor Retailer, ASD, Interbike and many others.  

The NAMM Foundation announces the 21 recipients of the NAMM Foundation's 2013-2014 program grants, allocating $500,000 in funding to innovative, community-based music learning programs that expand access to the many benefits of active music making.

NAMM Members attending Summer NAMM will choose from a robust menu of educational sessions, seminars and meetings designed to gain a vital competitive edge and propel their businesses to greater success. Each day of the three-day show, held July 11-13 in Nashville’s Music City Center, is packed with advantageous opportunities carefully formulated to target Members’ specific needs and help them confidently navigate the shifting economic terrain.

Manufacturers and distributors of leading brands from around the world have confirmed their exhibit space and attendance. NAMM Musikmesse Russia and Prolight + Sound NAMM Russia are pleased to announce the participation of 130 key companies who will demonstrate the latest products and developments for a Russian audience. The second edition of NAMM Musikmesse Russia will run four days, May 16-19, 2013. Prolight + Sound NAMM Russia 2013, which focuses on technologies and services for events, installation and production, will run three days, May 16-18, 2013.

A colorful, populist revival is underway for traditional bluegrass and folk instruments according to current sales trends and anecdotes from retailers. The hallmark instruments of this resurgent sound promise to be a dominant force at Summer NAMM, held July 11, 12 and 13 in Nashville at the brand new Music City Center. Growing demand is being fostered by steady stream of Top 10 tunes richly embroidered with bluegrass and folk sound via artists such as Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons, and even Steve Martin.