The NAMM Foundation and the Reisman Family have announced a fund in honor of NAMM board member, music education advocate and industry leader, Liz Reisman. She was 55 when she passed away 30 months after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Reisman was the owner of Creative Music Center in Monroe, Conn., and a passionate supporter of music education on a local and national level, advancing music-making opportunities for all school-aged children. To continue her work, and honor her memory for generations to come, the Reisman family is creating a new fund: The Liz Reisman Fund for School Music Education. This donation, together with others made in Liz’s name, now and in the future, will support NAMM Foundation grants that impact school music education and help more people experience the joys of making music.
“Liz was beyond passionate about the influence music can and should have on our youth,” said her husband Mike Reisman. “She was brought up with a flute in her hands and in many ways defined by her myriad experiences in schools, camps and community organizations dedicated to music education. One of her greatest joys was to watch the smiles of children brimming with new found self-esteem via music.”
The fund was announced at the Meeting of the Members at The 2019 NAMM Show. “For those of us who knew Liz, we know the strong belief she held in the power of music education. This donation, together with others made in Liz’s name, now and in the future, will support NAMM Foundation grants that impact school music education and help more people experience the joys of making music,” said NAMM Chairwoman Robin Walenta.
Since its inception in 1994, The NAMM Foundation has donated more than $16 million in support to domestic and international music education programs, scientific research, advocacy and public service programs related to music making. The grants are funded in part by donations from the NAMM and its 10,400 member companies worldwide.
“When the NAMM Foundation was established, it was our earnest hope that it could be a means to honor people like Liz who was a beacon of optimism and creativity in music retail and in our advocacy efforts,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. “We are honored that Liz’s great spirit will be part of our shared efforts to advance music making for people of all ages and abilities.”
Industry members who would like to honor the life and legacy of Liz Reisman may find additional information or make a donation on The NAMM Foundation website: https://www.nammfoundation.org/donate.