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November 17, 2006
NAMM Launches Wanna Play? Program to Inspire More Americans to Play Music
Campaign Ambassador Gavin DeGraw Promotes Benefits of Music Making.
CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Playing a musical instrument can increase memory, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, build confidence and result in greater academic success. Americans will learn about the many social and health benefits of music making thanks to a new national campaign launched today by NAMM, the not-for-profit trade association for the international music products industry. Designed to inspire people to become active music makers, the Wanna Play? campaign will raise awareness and inspire people of all ages and talent to get involved in making music, from taking lessons to purchasing their first instrument or software.
PHOTO: Music artist Gavin DeGraw serves as ambassador for NAMM's "Wanna Play?" campaign.
The International Music Products Association, 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 $16 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 approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, visit www.namm.org.
"At age 5 or 85, everyone can benefit socially, mentally and physically from playing an instrument," said Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM and a life-long drummer. "It's never too late to start, and playing an instrument is something that can last a lifetime."
Most people associate music making with fun or entertainment, but few know that playing music has been scientifically found to:
• exercise the brain
• inspire creativity
• increase productivity
• fight memory loss
• reduce stress
• lower blood pressure
• stave off depression
• enhance cognitive development in children
• build confidence
• create social connections/bonds
Not surprisingly, a number of musicians -- naturally passionate about the issue -- are joining NAMM in supporting the campaign.
"Music has been my airline ticket to a new world of possibilities," said Gavin DeGraw when asked what music means to him. For Gavin DeGraw, who broke onto the music scene with his hit "Chariot," the 29-year-old singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist's passion is apparent.
DeGraw is reaching out to kids and adults alike as the first ambassador of the Wanna Play? campaign, convincing people to pursue -- or perhaps revisit -- their passion for playing an instrument. To view an interview with Gavin, visit this website: www.namm.org/initiatives/wanna_play/media-center .
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:40 PM | Link to this Post
