The application period for The NAMM Foundation’s President’s Innovation Award is now open. The annual award provides college music students focused on a career in music a stipend to attend The 2023 NAMM Show where they are invited to explore concepts, sessions, and technologies across music, pro audio, and entertainment technology.
At The NAMM Show, the Innovation Award winners will have the opportunity to network with established industry professionals, check out the latest products and technologies, and participate in The NAMM Foundation’s GenNext initiative: a professional development program for college students to help jump-start their careers. Held during each day of the show, and presented in partnership with the College Music Society, NAMM’s GenNext is open to all college and university students. The program provides dedicated educational sessions to help emerging professionals advance in their careers, and includes Friday’s “Careers in Music” Summit. On the show floor, participants will access the latest music products, pro audio, and live event technology exhibits, in addition to concerts and special events.
“Access to career opportunities and mentorships offers college-aged students more career options. This program is our shared investment in the future of music and it’s entirely possible that the great next product inventor, retailer, producer, engineer, or music educator will be among us in the 2023 Presidents Innovation Award winners’ class,” shares Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation.
Applicants must be enrolled in college and university-based music, music business, music education or music technology programs and preparing for a career in the music industry. Each awardee will receive a cash award of $750 to support travel needs and expenses. Interested students can apply here: https://www.nammfoundation.org/innovation
Emma Dawson, a 2022 recipient of the Presidents Innovation Award and a graduate of The University of Tulsa says that attending “The NAMM Show has positively affected my education and professional planning for the future. I had no idea the impact that NAMM would really make on my life, but it was eye opening. Now that I have graduated, I have plans to work in the startup world on the east coast and hopefully gain more practical skills on what this looks like. Overall, I hope to come back to NAMM for many years to come. [It] has empowered me greatly.”
Since 2010, the President’s Innovation Award has helped 675 emerging leaders attend and develop their professional networks at The NAMM Show.
