RecordingVIP Music Equipment News

An All-Koa Ukulele and Guitar Combo Usher in the Return of Taylor’s Builder’s Reserve Program

By: Chalise Zolezzi

Monday January 23, 2012 - Riding a wave of creativity and fresh innovations, Taylor Guitars is readying the release of a very special pairing through the company’s Builder’s Reserve program: an all-koa tenor ukulele and full-sized matching Grand Symphony guitar. The acoustic coupling offer players an exclusive tandem of instrumental voices that celebrate the musical heritage of the Hawaiian Islands.  

The Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik Joins Taylor's Artist Showcase at NAMM

By: Chalise Zolezzi

Tuesday January 17, 2012 - John Rzeznik, singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the hit pop group the Goo Goo Dolls, will join Taylor's all-star lineup of artist performances at Taylor's NAMM showcase at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21. Rzeznik joins an illustrious roster of Taylor-strumming artists that includes The Voice's Javier Colon, worship leader Israel Houghton, rising act The David Mayfield Parade, and more, to perform hits from the band's extensive discography on the Taylor guitars stage, located in room 213ABC.

Final Week to Enter NAMM’s SchoolJam USA Battle of the Teen Bands Competition

Last Call for Entries to Become ‘Best Teen Band in the USA’ is Oct. 21

CARLSBAD, Calif. , October 13, 2011—The deadline is drawing near for teen bands all across America to vie for the title of “Best Teen Band in the USA,” while raising funds for their schools’ music programs. 

Teen musicians between the ages of 13 and 19, with the majority of the band members currently registered in a U.S. middle or high school, are encouraged to enter by Oct. 21, 2011. Teen bands participating in SchoolJam USA may perform any genre of music as long as the song is original content or designated as “public domain.” For a full list of competition rules and regulations, and for information on how to enter, visit www.schooljamusa.com. 

Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute Receives $75,000 Grant From the NAMM Foundation

Funds will enable groundbreaking research using keyboards in the rehabilitation of stroke victims

Carlsbad, CA, October 5, 2011— The Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute (YMWI) has received a $75,000 grant from the NAMM Foundation for groundbreaking research to be conducted under the umbrella of the Karl T. Bruhn Memorial Research Fund.

 NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond made the check presentation on behalf of the Foundation to YMWI at a special presentation held on October 5th at Yamaha Corporation of America’s headquarters in Buena Park, California. The majority of the grant will be used to fund a research project led by YMWI CEO, President and Director Barry Bittman, MD, titled, “Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for Non-Musician Stroke Patients Utilizing a Novel Keyboard Approach.”

NAMM Foundation Invites Music Products Industry College Students to Its ‘Generation Next’ Program at the 2012 NAMM Show

Program Fosters Industry Insight, Learning and Networking Opportunities

CARLSBAD, Calif. , September 27, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced today that it is inviting college students with music business or music education majors to attend the “Generation Next” program at the 2012 NAMM Show. This unique program offers professional development sessions and networking opportunities to help students launch careers in the music products industry.

The 2012 NAMM Show will take place Jan. 19 to 22 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and is one of the oldest and largest music products trade shows in the world with more than 88,000 trade professionals attending each year. This is a rare opportunity for music education and music industry college students to attend the NAMM Show, as it is a “trade-only” event. 
The NAMM Show exhibitors are the backdrop to a rich learning experience about the music products business and global trade. The NAMM Show features more than 1,500 manufacturers from around the world exhibiting unique music materials and products, including pro-audio equipment and new music-making applications and technologies.

NAMM Hosts Member Exhibit at AARP Life@50+ Event and Expo In Los Angeles

NAMM Wanna Play? Music Pavilion Provides Fun Music Lessons and Product Demonstrations to More than 500 Expo Attendees Over Age 50

CARLSBAD, Calif. , September 27, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced today that it once again brought the fun of playing music to attendees of the popular annual AARP Life@50+ conference, which draws an average of 25,000 attendees over the age of 50. 

Held this year in Los Angeles, NAMM and a host of Member companies provided lessons on harmonica, ukulele, guitar, percussion, piano and keyboards. In addition, demonstrations were provided on instruments and music-making equipment including home recording, video editing, accordion, drum kits, karaoke and organ.