NAMM Foundation Awards $600,000 to Support Innovative Music Learning Programs for People of All Ages

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The NAMM Foundation today announced the 35 recipients of its 2011-2012 program grants, allocating $600,000 in funding to support innovative community-based music learning programs that allow more people the opportunity to experience the proven benefits of active music making.

The new grants, while only a small portion of NAMM's overall annual multimillion-dollar-reinvestment into the music products industry, help worthy organizations operate programs designed to increase interest and participation in making music among school-aged children, adults and seniors. Since 1994, NAMM has supported worthy music-making programs through its grant program, providing $13.2 million in support to date.

This year, the foundation has funded 10 more programs than last year, and is supporting more music-making organizations overall than any other year. The foundation has also expanded the types of programs that it supports by including curriculums in the pro audio and international music-making sectors. 

"The NAMM Foundation is honored to help support programs in the U.S. and abroad that encourage and create new music makers, and expose people of all ages to the fun and benefits of making music," said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation.

"We thank all NAMM Members, who through their membership with the association and participation in the annual NAMM Show, help create more music makers through their support of these programs."

To view the programs that were recently approved by NAMM's Board of Directors, please visit: http://www.nammfoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships/2011-2012-program-grant-recipients .

About the NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.  For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.