New NAMM museum exhibit spotlights Casio

NAMM’s Museum of Making Music (MoMM) recently celebrated the debut of Spotlight on Casio, the latest addition to the museum’s many exhibits and musical instrument collections. 

Open until 29th January 2017, the new display chronicles Casio’s 35 years of electronic music product innovations and features notable instruments including its first keyboard, the Casiotone CT-201; the AZ-1 classic “keytar”; the popular Privia digital piano (PX-560); a full 88-key Grand Hybrid action sample; and its newest digital piano, the CELVIANO Grand Hybrid. In addition to the display, visitors will be able to play a Casio Privia PX-160 in the interactive area of the museum. 

The hands on playing experience, along with the robust display of 14 Casio electronic musical instruments, serves to connect the company’s many innovations directly with the public. It’s a connection that underscores the mission of the museum. 

“At the museum, we showcase the vibrant legacy of musical instruments and seek to connect our visitors through a hands-on approach,” said Carolyn Grant, MoMM’s executive director. “We are excited to highlight Casio’s important contributions to our industry and to share its history with our many guests.” 

The opening champagne reception was attended by MoMM members and donors, NAMM staff leadership, Casio fans and Casio leadership, including Alli Colasacco-Sharpe, marketing communications coordinator; Sandra Jordan, education consultant; and Stephen Schmidt, vice president of Casio’s Electronic Musical Instruments Division.

“As a worldwide leader in digital pianos, we are honoured to be part of the NAMM Museum of Making Music,” added Schmidt. “At, Casio we understand the importance of providing musicians with high-performance instruments that foster creativity and deliver great sound. We are thrilled that NAMM has recognised the top-notch quality of our electronic musical instruments and invited us to be part of this exhibit.”

As part of the reception, attendees were treated to a performance featuring keyboardist, Steve Weingart, who has enjoyed a career spanning 20 years, and has performed or recorded with the likes of Dave Weckl, Chaka Khan, Eric Marienthal, Victor Wooten, Warren Hill and others. Earlier in the day, Weingart presented a piano technique masterclass where participants used WK6500 keyboards donated by Casio.