Music and Sound Expo

To further raise awareness about the benefits of music education and bring together music educators, manufacturers and retailers of music products as well as the general public, NAMM in conjunction with the National Biennial Conference of MENC, the National Association of Music Education, held the first Music and Sound Expo in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN on April 16-18.

The event succeeded with the implementation of the first International Music Education Policy Symposium, which was led by music education experts from around the world. Panelists presented policies and options and educators attendees learned about how music education is viewed around the world. Dr. John Benham was also on hand presenting sessions on music advocacy and saving music programs, specifically addressing budget and finance, the decision-making process, education reform and empowering parents.

“Attendees voiced that the symposium was a breakthrough moment for thinking about how to create more access and opportunity in music education,” said Mary Luehrsen, NAMM's director of public affairs and government relations.

During the Expo, AMC bestowed several awards for outstanding commitment and contribution to music making and music education. Johnny Rivers, Dr. Mable John, Sammy Nestico and Lorin Hollander received the Support Music Award, and Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser took home the AMC Henry Grossman Honorary Lifetime Director Award.

AMC promoted its efforts with a resource center where attendees could learn about the many programs available to keep music a vital part of their community and also co-sponsored a live taping of the successful NPR show “From the Top,” which celebrates kids who have shown a commitment to music and the arts, and gives young classical musicians a platform to express themselves.