The NAMM Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2023 scholarship award programs. The awards, made possible by the generosity of NAMM members and donors, provide funds to emerging industry leaders, college students and faculty to participate in The 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA. At the show, recipients will experience the opportunity to engage in continued advancement and professional development, and students and faculty will be introduced to industry careers and networking opportunities only found at The NAMM Show.                                            

“The NAMM Foundation awards outlined here represent the collective impact of NAMM members and support for The NAMM Show,” says Mary Luehrsen, executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “Bringing these talented individuals to The NAMM Show is our way of moving the industry forward and inviting new and diverse perspectives to be a part of the music, pro audio, and event technology industries.”

The Bernice Ash Award was established in 2021 to honour the remarkable life and legacy of Bernice Ash. As a music retail visionary, Ash spearheaded the expansion of the Sam Ash family-owned music stores, broadening inventory for the chain across multiple new categories. The award offers  a grant for use in continued college-level or trade-related studies, a  travel stipend to attend The NAMM Show, and a one-year mentorship through the NAMM Young Professionals group. This year’s recipient is Leanne Chu of Gator Cases.

The Women of NAMM Fund seeks to support women with goals to connect, support, and grow as professionals and leaders, and contribute to the development of the music products industry. The award offers a one-time stipend to support attendance and participation at The NAMM Show, along with year-round mentoring opportunities and connections with female industry leaders. This year, six individuals were awarded the WON scholarship.They include Alexandra Amaral (Earthquaker Devices); Sondra Blanchard (HB Woodsongs); Dee Halacsy (Music and Arts); Jennifer Mayes (Yamaha Corporation of America); Kendra Peterson (Ward-Brodt Music); and Beth Smith (The Music Shoppe). 

The President’s Innovation Award honours college students who demonstrate excellence in the field of music. Winners have proven dedication to pursuing a career in music, including in the areas of music performance, music education, media, sound engineering/audio, event technology, production, administration, management and/or marketing, along with product creation and innovation. This year, the award will recognize and welcome 59 student recipients from 19 states, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. 

The NAMM Foundation-College Music Society Fellows Program supports college music faculty who exhibit commitment and aptitude for developing curricula related to business leadership and innovation in music, pro-audio, and event technology. This financial award helps faculty offset the cost of travel to The NAMM Show. Fellows are invited to participate in professional development sessions, networking events and receptions, and special events and concerts. 

The 2023 NAMM Show returns April 13-15 in Southern California at the Anaheim Convention Center. Professionals from across the crossroads of the music products, pro audio, and entertainment technology industry will convene for in-depth professional development and networking opportunities and to experience the latest innovations in music. Registration is now open at https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend.

[Pictured: Bernice Ash]

‍

‍