News Releases

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, announced today that Mary L. Luehrsen, director of public affairs and government relations, has been named to the steering committee for the Mini-Conference on Creativity and Aging, an official planning advisory council of the White House Conference on Aging. The purpose of the conference is to develop policy recommendations effecting seniors to the president and Congress and to assist the public and private sectors in promoting the dignity, health, independence and economic security of older Americans.

Now is the time to help promote the benefits of music making and music education across the country. The American Music Conference (AMC), the nonprofit affiliate of NAMM, is currently undergoing its annual membership drive so that people of all ages—from tots to seniors—have the opportunity to experience music's power.

NAMM (the International Music Products Association) released the results of a national survey today that reveals a record-setting level of musical instrument and product sales in 2004. Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM, noted that sales in the United States hit an all-time high of $7.353 billion last year.

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, today announced that Betty Heywood will be the association’s new director of international affairs.

For the sixth year in a row, a survey conducted by a partnership of leading music and educational organizations has identified the "Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America."

With funds for music and arts education being slashed across the country, the International Foundation for Music Research (IFMR), a nonprofit foundation funded in part by NAMM, the International Music Products Association, has launched a major research project designed to expand knowledge of the value music plays in a quality education. The organization is currently soliciting research proposals for this important undertaking.

At a special Congressional reception to support music education, Grammy® Award-winning artists The Commodores, Take 6 and American Idol stars Justin Guarini, Diana DeGarmo and John Stevens presented more than 33,000 petition signatures signed by teens across America who want music in their schools. The evening culminated in a special performance by these legendary and emerging recording artists for members of Congress, their staff and families.

The U.S. House of Representatives, acting on the recommendation of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, expressed unanimous support for the value of school-based music education when it passed a Concurrent Resolution on Tuesday that says music instruction “is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school.”

To demonstrate its support for music advocacy and education, Neutrik USA today donated $2,000 to NAMM, the International Music Products Association, to create more music makers through the association’s ongoing advocacy programs. NAMM will match Neutrik’s donation with an additional $1,000 to support community outreach programs such as SupportMusic.com.

In an effort to increase awareness of its petition to keep music education programs in schools, NAMM, the International Music Products Association and The Music Edge, its Web-based teen music-making initiative, recently partnered with Fanscape, a leading youth entertainment marketing company. Signatures for the petition, which originated in 2002, will be collected through February 25, and will be delivered to Congress on March 9.

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, ended its 2005 NAMM Show today with more music, educational sessions and business meetings among Members. The day began with a powerful pre-show blues performance by Reno Jones in the Anaheim Convention Center lobby. When the exhibit halls opened, attendees filled the floor to take a final look at new products and to take in the last nine sessions in the NAMM Idea Center. These more focused, 20-minute sessions were a new format for NAMM U—and were well-received by show-goers.

The third day of the 2005 NAMM Show featured a pre-show NAMM University breakfast session with live music and a panel discussion. "Manufacturers Are from Mars, Retailers Are from Venus" was moderated by Danny Rocks and included well-known members from different segments of the industry. There was more entertainment in the Anaheim Convention Center lobby, where attendees took in a lively performance by Benise, and just before the exhibit halls opened, Impulse drum corps pounded its way down the streets to the front of the convention center.