Some Reading

It's been an interesting week to say the least. I won't get into all the specific details. But, I was able to clear up lots of loose end things on my desk this week.

I just finished reading a book on the history of NAMM. For those of you who don't know, NAMM, the International Music Products Association, is the global trade organization for the music industry. What a fascinating read the book was. I am very aware of all that NAMM does as Progressive Music is a NAMM member and I am a member of NAYMM (National Association of Young Music Merchants). But, reading this book really amazed me. NAMM has done so much to really shape the music industry. But, beyond that, they've helped create and keep school music programs alive. They've worked with MENC and a ton of other music organizations to educate the world on how important music is.

There's a great quote in the book from a former NAMM chairman, Paul Murphy Jr. He said, "When I was a kid taking lessons, my teacher's attitude was, 'you're never going to be a virtuoso, so why don't you just quit.' Well today we know better. Most of us won't even be stars, but we take lessons, and we play music for the pleasure and the benefits it brings. And that's what the industry's future is all about."

I think that sums it up pretty well!!!!!