The NAMM Foundation presented 94 college music students with the President’s Innovation Award, which provides students exploring a career in music education, business and/or music products with a travel stipend to attend and advance their careers at The 2018 NAMM Show, January 25-28 in Anaheim, Calif.
Award recipients were chosen from across the nation via an application process from a pool of more than 100 applicants. To be considered for the award, students must be enrolled in a university-based music business/education/technology program; have earned a 3.0 or higher grade point average; and must be enrolled full time in college at the time of The 2018 NAMM Show.
Once at the Show, the recipients will have the opportunity to network with established industry professionals in the areas of music and music products, pro audio and event technologies and services, as well as participate in The NAMM Foundation’s GenNext initiative: a professional development program for college students to help jump-start their careers. Held during each day of the show, and presented in conjunction with the College Music Society (CMS), NAMM’s GenNext is open to all college and university students and provides dedicated educational sessions to help the emerging professional advance in their career.
“The opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders and see the latest in new gear means everything to a producer/engineer like me. There’s no doubt that being a part of this program will help me gain insight on new and innovative technology, and be a step ahead once I’m ready to fully immerse myself into the music industry,” said award recipient Shante Simpson, a student at SAE Institute in Los Angeles.
Along with the peer-to-peer networking and development opportunities, recipients will have access to 2,000 exhibits and 7,000 brands on display and networking opportunities with established industry personnel to further their careers.
“We welcome the next generation of innovators and leaders, and it’s important for our members and the industry to know that they will be with us at The NAMM Show,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “While still completing their education, NAMM is investing in their future and we warmly welcome them as if our future depended on it, I imagine in many ways it does.”