July 2022

Roundtable A Case Study: Sales of Cases & Bags Rise as Live Performance Returns 10 MMR discussed the current state of this rebounding market segment with five representatives from some of the most significant brands out there to get the scoop on what specific models are flying off the shelves – and how the most clever dealers go about displaying these things on the shelves to begin with. Show Report Many Happy Returns: The 2022 NAMM Show 16 The metrics paint one picture – just over 1,000 exhibiting members representing 3,500 brands, and 46,627 registered attendees from 111 countries and territories (compared to 115,301 attendees in 2020) – but the true story was best told via the many upbeat conversations, smiling faces, boisterous concerts, instructive educational offerings, and brisk booth activity that defined these three days in Orange County. Survey Taking a Stand (or Rack): Sales of Keyboard Rack & Stands in 2022 21 Pandemic-related lockdowns led to soaring keyboard sales in the past two-and-some-change years, so stands and racks for those newly acquired instruments must also be doing well these days, right? Well, as per the participants in this month’s dealer survey, sales are in fact… not really trending in any particular direction, nationwide. Small Business Matters Small Business Matters: Let’s Share a NAMM Laugh… at My Expense 22 Menzie Pittman, award-winning owner and director of education at Contemporary Music Center in Virginia (CMC), showcases how humor in the face of adversity is a key component to a successful approach to business. Sound of Money Here’s Your Fast-Read Primer for the Special Needs and Disability Community 23 Celebrated financial planner Jaimie Blackman provides some broad-stroke guidance on how families with special-needs members can successfully provide for future needs. Departments Editorial 4 Upfront 6 New Products 24 Classifieds 26 Ad Index 26