Fourth National Wanna Play Music Week Reaches Millions with Positive Messages, Activities Focused on Making Music

NAMM announced today that its fourth annual National Wanna Play Music Week May 3-7 featured a series of high-profile public relations activities touting the benefits of music for people of all ages, and generated more than 150 million media impressions worth approximately $4.3 million according to independent media measurement firm BurellesLuce.

The week kicked off with “Music Monday,” an effort to encourage schools across the U.S. and Canada to perform a musical arrangement on the same day or at a specifically designated time to demonstrate how powerful music education and the experience of playing music or singing can be for children and teens.

“Music Monday” also featured a New York media tour with National Wanna Play Music Week spokesperson and “Gossip Girl” actress and musician Taylor Momsen. Designated as one of NAMM’s “unexpected musicians,” Momsen spoke about how inspirational playing music can be and how her personal passion for the art led to the formation of her new band “The Pretty Reckless.” Momsen shared her passion for music and music education on FOX’s “Good Day New York,” and on morning news programs in Pheonix, Ariz., Chicago, Ill., and Denver, Colo.  

The week also began with the launch of an interactive video on www.wannaplaymusic.com, where people are encouraged to upload their photo and watch themselves be a rock star in Orianthi’s hit video “According to You.” Musicians were also encouraged to share their story on the website to inspire new hopefuls to explore their musical side.  Almost 7,000 people shared and uploaded their photos to the widget during the week.

Tuesday featured “Flash Jam USA,” spontaneous jam sessions held in major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Cleveland and New York. To check out video footage, visit the Wanna Play By NAMM YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/wannaplaybynamm.

Wednesday highlighted the NAMM Foundation’s announcement of the “Best Communities for Music Education” (www.nammfoundation.org), which honors schools and communities throughout the nation that work hard to ensure music education is included as part of a complete education program for every child. 


Thursday a database was launched on www.wannaplaymusic.com of the world’s “Unexpected Musicians” – celebrities including actors, professional athletes, politicians and authors who also play music as a recreational activity.

The week wrapped up with “National Store Appreciation Day,” honoring the hub of all things musical – the local community music store. On National Music Store Appreciation Day, non-musicians were encouraged to pay their neighborhood music store a visit to get started and learn more about the benefits of music making. As part of the day’s festivities, Scott Houston, aka “The Piano Guy” made a special in-store appearance in San Diego at PianoSD.com. 

About NAMM
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).