News Releases

 NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, today announced that it recently hosted its fifth consecutive NAMM University professional development sessions for show attendees at the 2010 Music China Show in Shanghai Oct. 12–15, 2010. The association has also announced that it will continue to host the annual educational program at the Music China show for an additional five years.

NAMM today announced its plans to produce the industry’s summer gathering in Nashville, Tenn., July 21-23, 2011 and confirmed that show dates for the event are being held through 2013. NAMM also promised to add new features to provide both attendees and exhibitors with increased value including:

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced plans for this year’s Hands-On Training (H.O.T.) Zone at the 2011 NAMM Show, offering the broadest educational experience for professionals in the recording, live sound, DJ, house of worship, and stage and lighting industries in the history of the show.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today revealed the names of the 48 semi-finalist teen bands who have advanced to the next level of the second annual SchoolJam USA teen battle of the bands competition, and it is encouraging the public to vote for their favorite one.

The NAMM Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2011 NAMM President’s Innovation Award. The following college students will receive a grant to help support their travel needs and expenses to attend the NAMM Show. They will also have the opportunity to attend the "Generation Next"; program at the 2011 NAMM Show, which offers college students valuable hands-on and educational learning experiences, networking and a chance to see the inner workings of the most important music products trade show in the world.

Former Arkansas Governor and part-time bass guitar player Mike Huckabee recently launched a new benefit album called “I Wanna Play!: An Album to Put Musical Instruments into the Hands of Every Child in America” on his weekly news commentary show. Platinum recording artist and songwriter Aaron Tippin and producer James Stroud led the charge on this project at Gov. Huckabee’s suggestion.

The NAMM Foundation donated $10,000 today to the W.O. Smith Music School, which provides quality music instruction to children from low-income families. Also appearing at the press conference were former Arkansas Governor, current political talk show host and part-time bass player, Mike Huckabee and platinum recording artist and songwriter Aaron Tippin to announce a new compilation CD project to benefit music education for children across America.

 The NAMM Foundation today invited music educators and school administrators from across the United States to come to Anaheim, Calif. to experience NAMM’s fourth annual “Music Education Days,” being held on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 15-16 at the 2011 NAMM Show. As VIP guests of the NAMM Foundation, music educators and school administrators have access to NAMM’s premier trade-only music products trade show, where attendees can explore musical instruments, products and teaching concepts.

A number of NAMM Members – including SABIAN, Latin Percussion, Toca, Genz Benz, Ovation, Gretsch Drums, Audio-technica, Hercules, Fender, Casio, Gibraltar, Musician’s Friend, Harmony-Central.com, Sonicbids.com, Modern Drummer magazine, Guitar Player magazine, EQ magazine, Keyboard Player magazine and Bass Player magazine have joined forces to sponsor an online talent contest, which will again provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for aspiring musicians to “hit the big stage” at the 2011 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif.  

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced the judges panel for its upcoming SchoolJam USA teen battle of the bands competition, a national program that highlights quality musical teen talent and promotes active participation in school music programs. The leading music industry veterans who will make up the judges panel and select the 2010 “Best Teen Band in the USA” at the second annual SchoolJam USA are:

No strangers to outshining the competition, top executives from Chesapeake Energy stole the spotlight in a new way on Saturday, when their company-sponsored band, "Shale Play," earned the title of the world's "Best Corporate Band" at the 10th annual Fortune Battle of the Corporate Bands, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

The California Alliance for Arts Education and the Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County presented “Education, Creativity and California’s Future” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion today, Wednesday September 29th.  The forum featured celebrities including Jack Black, Ben McKenzie and others discussing arts education and asking questions of the two candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Assemblymember Tom Torlakson and Larry Aceves.