Top 10 Reasons to Love (and Visit!) Your Local Music Store During National Music Store Weekend

A recent nationwide Gallup poll found that 85 percent of Americans who don’t currently play a musical instrument wish that they did. Additional studies have shown that playing a musical instrument positively impacts children’s cognitive skills, in addition to building confidence, self-discipline, and helping kids and teens connect socially with their peers. One’s life-long musical journey begins at home and is nurtured at the local music store. In advance of the fifth annual National Wanna Play Music Week (May 2-8, 2011), the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) offers the following reasons why everyone should love (and visit!) their local music store:

10.  A music store is knowledgeable.  Whether you’ve been playing music for years or are a new player who recently took NAMM’s “Pledge to Play,” your local music store has expert staff on hand to help and talk all things music.  From advising on how to choose your first instrument to finding any accessory you need to keep on playing, your local music store can provide valuable guidance and resources.

9.  A music store is in your neighborhood.  Your local music store can get you on the path to playing music, and most are closer than you think. Visit www.wannaplaymusic.com to locate the nearest music retailer. You’ll be surprised to find that there might be more than one just around the corner!

8.  A music store is a community center.  Not only are local music stores an inspiring space for aspiring music makers, they are also a good place to find out about local music events and concerts, performance opportunities and to talk to other people with musical interests like you.

7.  A music store is reliable.   Local music stores want to make sure you are happy with your purchase and equipped in the best way possible to play the music you desire. That means they will help you select the best new or used instrument and accessories for your needs. When purchased at your local music store, any and all used instruments typically undergo a rigorous disinfecting process, so you can rest assured that your musical instrument is clean, safe, and will play as good as new.

6.  A music store is resourceful.  Whether you’re looking for a reed for your clarinet or want to know the very best way to clean your instrument, your local music store can help. If they don’t carry the part, local music stores will order it for you to ensure you get exactly what you need. Additionally, music stores have knowledgeable staff members who know and use the most thorough techniques to clean and sanitize your instrument.

5.  A music store gets your love of music.  Local music stores are born from an intense love for music—and they are in business to share it. The staff at your local music store usually comprises teachers or performers and are life-long students themselves— constantly expanding their musical horizons, and eager to share their passion and knowledge with customers.  

4.  A music store is personable.  Your local music store staff will take the time to get to know you and your musical needs to help keep you motivated as you reach your goal of becoming a musician.

3.  A music store will understand.  Be it time or budget, the team at your local music store understands your daily constraints, fears, or worries about playing music, and can work with your schedule and resources, or help to address any of your concerns.

2.  A music store is flexible.  Local music stores offer flexible financing, such as monthly payment plans and extended hours of operation for your convenience. Contact your local music store today to see what they can do for you!

1. A music store CARES.  Local music stores are eager to help anyone in the pursuit of becoming a music maker and improve countless lives through music. For example, staff members often give up their time to attend school board meetings and fight for your kids’ music education programs. Whether you are continuing or just beginning your musical journey, visit your local music store to experience the proven benefits of playing music!

National Music Store Weekend (May 6-8, 2011)
As so many musical dreams start in the most humble of places, NAMM will wrap up National Wanna Play Music Week by honoring the hub of all things musical—the local community music store. NAMM encourages existing and aspiring musicians to visit their local music stores and experience the enjoyment and many proven benefits of playing music.

About NAMM’s Wanna Play? Public Awareness Campaign
NAMM’s national Wanna Play? public awareness campaign is dedicated to increasing awareness of the proven benefits of playing musical instruments for people of all ages. Since the campaign’s launch in November 2006, the key messages about the fun and many proven benefits of playing music have reached millions of people through national public relations efforts. In addition, Wanna Play? has the support of more than 100 celebrities, including Jack Black, Jeff Daniels, Robert Downey Jr., Band from TV, Orianthi, Kara Dioguardi and Gary Sinise. For more information and to get involved, interested parties can visit www.wannaplaymusic.com.

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global 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 more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, please visit http://www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

MEDIA CONTACTS:         

Jessica del Mundo or Elizabeth Lascaze – GolinHarris
Public Relations | Phone: 213-623-4200
jdelmundo@golinharris.com or elascaze@golinharris.com