NAMM D.C. Fly-In Delegates on the Power of Music Education Advocacy
For 20 years, members have participated in the annual NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In as representatives of their districts and states. With a united voice, their mission has been to advocate for issues that directly impact their businesses and the music products industry at large, with a priority focus on requesting federal funding for music education in schools across the United States.
During one week on Capitol Hill, NAMM delegates participate in advocacy training, hear keynote speakers from Congress, and meet face-to-face with their representatives about the importance of funding music programs — they want students to experience the joy of playing musical instruments and develop skills that can be applied to the music industry workforce. In their own words, NAMM delegates share their motivations for participating in this key NAMM event.
Mayumi Allison, CEO, Hosa Technology
Who we serve
My company serves musicians, students, pro audio, and anybody who’s into music. We manufacture and distribute musical instrument cables and accessories — all the connectivity to the hardware.
Our motivation to participate in the Fly-In
My motivation is the tariffs that are impacting my products, business and employees. I'm here to get our products excluded from the tariffs so that we can continue to provide affordable, quality products for our customers.
We've been in business for 43 years, and last year was one of the hardest years we've had. We're slowly coming out of it, but it's still challenging. It's important to be able to continue the legacy of my business and continue to grow.
The experience meeting with members of Congress
This is my first time participating in the NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In. The conversations with our representatives were great — they agreed with us that musical instrument products should not be tariffed.
At first, I was nervous to speak with the representatives, senators and staffers, but they're all human. And everybody loves music, so it's a good topic and an easy conversation to have.
Why belonging to NAMM matters
I value being a NAMM member because it brings all of us together. It's a community and a support system, and you get to meet incredible people. We're all working together for a common cause, and I enjoy the camaraderie. It's also a way for me to give back to my community.
Justin Sims, Owner, Sims Music
Who we serve
We serve a wide variety of clients. Churches are a big part of our community, individual hobbyists, and some schools. Whether it's adults or children, we have customers who have music change their lives, and we get to see it firsthand and watch their whole journey.
Our motivation to participate in the Fly-In
I've always been curious as to what's going on in D.C. when NAMM does the Fly-In. I saw some emails pop up, and I wanted to learn more and see how it could affect my business. It was also an opportunity to participate in the NAMM community.
Often, I see someone whose family can support them and bring them to our store to buy musical instruments. But so many people are not as lucky to have that, so it comes down to the schools — bringing attention to the funding that goes to schools and teachers is how we help more people get life-changing access to music.
The experience meeting with members of Congress
It was awesome. Queen Cora joined our meetings, which was an honor to have her with us. The people in the office were fantastic, and we did get to meet U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn. We prepared our flow for the meeting, and it went well.
Why belonging to NAMM matters
I value NAMM now more than ever, having seen the work that goes into the Fly-In. Obviously, The NAMM Show is a highlight for us — I would say it’s the reward for working retail. But getting to represent NAMM in D.C. is such an honor.
The team here has been incredible — from the greetings to the training provided. I don't feel out of place. It's very welcoming. If anyone has their hesitations or doesn't think that their personality could deliver in that room, I think they're mistaken. NAMM will see to it that you deliver the message you need to deliver.
Cassandra Sotos, Co-owner & CEO, AmpRx
Who we serve
At AmpRx, we design and manufacture voltage controlling power supplies for musicians so they can power their gear in the best way possible. We make products for everyday musicians, and everyone from hobbyists up to the biggest touring acts in the world.
Our motivation to participate in the Fly-In
I’m very passionate about how my involvement in music has led me to be successful in many ways, and I truly believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument and develop a skill that’s transferable to many areas of life.
This was, to me, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get involved. We learned about the advocacy process, and I never imagined that I would get to meet with our senators and representatives and tell my story in their office.
The experience meeting with members of Congress
We met with two representatives from the State of Tennessee, where I live and where my business is, including Andy Ogles, who is my actual representative. We met with his staffers first, who were huge supporters of music education. The real highlight was meeting Mr. Ogles in the hallway. Getting to have a personal conversation with him was incredible, and we learned that he has his children in music lessons. I felt well-prepared to go to these meetings and excited to make a great case for music education.
Why belonging to NAMM matters
Being a NAMM member and participating as a delegate in this group to deliver a larger message through our NAMM membership has been extremely valuable to us. Of course, we can write to our senators and our representatives, but through NAMM membership and our ability to be the collective voice, I think we’re bringing even greater impact.
Nick Averwater, Vice President, Amro Music Stores, Inc. and NAMM Board of Directors
Who we serve
Amro Music is a fourth-generation retailer. We’re headquartered in Memphis, and we service school bands and orchestras across the Mid-South states, including Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Kentucky.
Our motivation to participate in the Fly-In
As a product of music education, I’m a big believer in what music education does to benefit our individual students, our communities and our schools. We know that students who are involved in music score higher on the ACT and the SAT and the more socially connected they are to their peers. They’re more likely to go to college, and they’re less likely to have alcohol and truancy problems. It’s important that we advocate to ensure that the next generation has access to the same opportunities that we had.
The experience meeting with members of Congress
Conversations went wonderfully. We’ve had the opportunity to meet with two offices from Tennessee and two offices from Arkansas.
One of the great things about music is that this is a bipartisan issue. Everyone agrees that music is such a vitally important part of our schools and school systems. It’s great to go in and have these conversations and get to reiterate what music does for our communities.
Thoughts on advocacy work
It makes you realize that members of Congress are just people, and they want to hear from their constituents. They want to hear about what’s happening on the ground in their communities. It’s a great opportunity to come together and to say, let's talk about the things that are taking place in your schools and with parents and students in your local district, so they’re totally engaged and very in tune.
Why belonging to NAMM matters
You don’t have to look very far to see the many benefits of NAMM. It’s the interconnectedness. It’s the opportunity to engage with others who are similar to Amro but may be in parallel segments of the industry. Together, we can have a collective voice to move our industry forward.
Jennifer Lantz, Co-Owner, Bandwagon Music and Repair
Who we serve
Our customers make music at all different levels. We serve everybody, from the five-year-old piano lesson student all the way up to professionals who are working in the studios. It’s really a blast, because we never know who’s going to walk through the door or what they’re going to need. We love to be part of that journey.
Our motivation to participate in the Fly-In
We feel like we’re in a position now where we would love to be able to fight for music education, because we’re involved with so many school music programs. We wanted the chance to speak to our representatives and receive the advocacy training that we get here so that we can speak in smaller communities back home where we know our voice can make a difference. We’ll be able to walk into admin offices and say, here’s why music education is important. So being part of the D.C. environment has been amazing.
Thoughts on advocacy work
When you’re trying to run a music store, you don’t really think much about what your senators are up to. It’s opened my eyes to how it comes into play on a national level.
Also, on our own local level, I feel like we bring home a wealth of information. The unique experience of being here on Capitol Hill and getting the chance to meet with all these people face-to-face opens a whole new realm of what we can offer and education for our own customers.
Why belonging to NAMM matters
Our NAMM membership has been absolutely the most incredible professional organization we’ve ever belonged to. Having been former music educators, we don’t have a music business degree or any kind of business degree. We’ve received education through The NAMM Show, NAMM U and NAMM NeXT, and I got to participate in the Women of NAMM summit, which was an incredible experience. The Advocacy D.C. Fly-In feels like rounding out all the things we’ve done with NAMM and a whole other part of our education. We couldn’t be more grateful for this entire membership and organization behind us, because it feels so supportive. When we talk to people in other industries, it’s unlike anything that anyone else experiences.
Joe Castronovo, President and CEO, Korg USA and Vice Chair, NAMM
Who we serve
Korg USA supports the people who make music happen — musicians, educators, retailers, technicians and partners. As the U.S. distributor for a range of music brands, we help connect instruments and audio tools with those who use, teach, sell and service them. Whether it’s through national retail channels, music education via SoundTree, or our service network, we aim to make it easier for people to share and sustain music at every level.
Our motivation to participate in the Fly-In
I’m looking at it from the manufacturer’s perspective and the workforce development that happens through music and the arts. It’s not just about making music, it’s about the development of those students into the workforce in our industry. I think a big message that Congresspeople have to hear so they don’t make cuts is that people who make music can work and be employed by companies in our industry.
The experience meeting with members of Congress
They’re very interested. You’re asking to keep music education funding for students, and how important that is. It's a worthwhile experience. I’ve enjoyed every minute.
Thoughts on advocacy work
It’s life-changing to see how our government works. Walking through the Capitol is something most people don’t get a chance to do. It’s invigorating to be here.
Why belonging to NAMM matters
NAMM unites the music industry through education, advocacy and programs that grow music-making. Being a member — and showing up for events like the D.C. Fly-In — gives us a voice in shaping national policies that support music education. When we advocate in Washington, we’re not just fighting for funding; we’re fighting for access, for equity and for the opportunity every student deserves to experience the lifelong benefits of making music.
Learn How to Get Involved in the NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In
NAMM’s D.C. Fly-In is an annual event organized exclusively for NAMM members and partner organizations who represent music retail, music product manufacturing and music and arts education. Visit our NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In page to learn more about this membership program and join the delegate interest list.
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