News Releases

MENC, the National Association for Music Education, today announced plans to work with long-time partner NAMM, the International Music Products Association, to produce the exhibition portion of the organization’s 2004 National Conference. The “Music and Sound Expo” will be held April 16–18, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minn. The new partnership was created to serve the membership of both groups while further unifying educators, the music products industry and the music-making public.

More than 30 retail owners and managers from around the Midwest recently attended NAMM University’s Retail Operations Camp, presented by the Friedman Group’s Norby Rudel. Although the valuable two-day seminar typically costs $795, NAMM University students were able to participate for only $245.

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, announced today that Jacob Woodall of Bassett, Va., is the recipient of the 2003–2004 William R. Gard Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, established in the name of former NAMM Executive Vice President William R. Gard, invests in the education of promising students interested in contributing their talents to the music products industry.

More than ever, Americans are saying “We want our musical instruments,” according to a 2003 survey conducted by The Gallup Organization and commissioned by NAMM, the International Music Products Association.

58 NAMM Members from MI retail stores in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area recently sharpened their selling skills at NAMM University’s “Beyond the Competitive Edge in Sales” course, taught by Mark Patey and held on March 20 and 21.

“SupportMusic,” the largest initiative of its kind dedicated to positively impacting community resolve and inspiring action to support music education in the United States, was launched today by the Music Education Coalition, an entity created by NAMM, the International Music Products Association and MENC, the National Association for Music Education. The new program was announced today by Steve West, Chairman of NAMM; and Dr. Willie Hill, President of MENC. They were joined by Congressional co-chairs Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Rep.

The 2003 NAMM Concert Honoring Sir Elton John, presented by Yamaha, is estimated to have raised $330,000 to benefit music education and research, according to event organizers. The star-studded benefit was held January 17 at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim and was a highlight of the 2003 NAMM Show, the annual convention of the International Music Products Association that took place January 16–19 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

NAMM Members enrolled in the endorsed bank card processing program will save money on monthly fees thanks to a new contract announced today by the International Music Products Association and First National Merchant Solutions.

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.