NAMM Foundation Inspires Adults to Just PLAY during National AARP Event

The NAMM Foundation fostered musical inspiration at the AARP ‘Ideas @ 50+’ National Event held Sept. 4-6 in San Diego. The Foundation and NAMM members enticed thousands of adults attending the event to pick up an instrument and play during dozens of guitar, ukulele and drum circles. Attendees also recorded testimonials about the significance of music in their lives for an upcoming Museum of Making Music exhibit.

“We spent three days infusing this national gathering of local community leaders with inspiration to play music,” said NAMM Foundation executive director Mary Luehrsen. “Many of the people who stopped by to play hadn’t picked up an instrument in years or in some cases ever. We saw hundreds of people experience the magical ‘ah ha’ moment leaving the event inspired to bring music back into their lives.”

The Foundation’s ‘Just Play’ booth attracted budding musicians and seasoned music-makers to performances throughout each day of the event. NAMM member companies Remo Inc., Yamaha Corp., Kala Instruments, Daisy Rock Guitars, Alfred Music Publishing, Making Music Magazine, and the Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) provided instruments, teachers, and instructional materials for the events.

Daily performances and Q&A sessions with the New Horizons Band, which rehearses weekly at NAMM headquarters, demonstrated a social, musical group designed just for adult musicians. New Horizons offers adults, primarily those over 50, the chance to learn how to play a concert band instrument and perform with other budding musicians. The program has introduced thousands of boomers and retirees to the power of playing music.

The ‘Just Play’ booth also recorded visitors’ testimonials describing, “What music means to me.” The testimonials will be featured in an interactive exhibit at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music that will open in December.

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About NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 9200 members around the world. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.