NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP)

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NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP) A NAMM Member Benefit for professionals under 40 creating resources and opportunities in mentorship, education, and networking for the next generation. Connect.

Learn. Grow. If you’d like to network with other industry professionals under 40, then you should join NAMM YP. As a member, you'll be invited to exclusive NAMM YP events where you can connect with like-minded peers, build solid business relationships that can turn into lifelong friendships, and learn from the veterans who've shaped our industry. Note: All comments and posts in this group must adhere to NAMM's terms of service for social media.

03/06/2026

11 industry leaders answered one question: What makes someone stand out early in their career?
One word came up again and again: passion.
From Jerry Goldenson (KHS America), Hans Thomann (Thomann), Chris Martin (Martin Guitar), and Antonio Ferranti (Proel), the message was remarkably consistent.

Not just interest. Not just showing up.
Genuine care for the work, the product, and the people around you.

It’s the baseline signal, and people can tell when it’s real.

Follow along for Part 2: Curiosity

27/05/2026

Try this personal brand exercise!

Ask the people who know you best.
This moment from Natalie Morrison of Yamaha Music USA and Scott Rife of Eastman Music Company turned personal branding into something real and actionable. With examples from Tevis Laukat of Cannonball Musical Instruments, Jody Espina of JodyJazz Inc., and Ron Kuykendall of Saied Music Co., the conversation shows how the people around us often notice patterns in our strengths before we do.

Let us know, what are five words you hope people would use to describe you?

20/05/2026

Why should young professionals be involved in advocacy?
We asked Julie Robbins CEO of EarthQuaker Devices , Cassandra Sotos CEO & Co-Owner of AmpRx , and Beth Hummel Schiemer Director of Education of Brighton Music Center.

They all pointed to one thing: advocacy is relationship building. When young professionals share their stories, representatives better understand what our industry needs now and in the future.

That is what NAMM YP is all about: helping the next generation learn, connect, and lead.
Tag a peer who should be part of the conversation.

11/05/2026

Want to retain good employees? Pay attention to your culture.
Jonathan Hendrix of Spicer's Music, LLC, Jess Ferrari of Menchey Music Service, Inc. and Amanda Rueter of Ernie Williamson Music share a reminder that culture does not happen by accident. It is shaped every day by what leaders reinforce, model, and prioritize. When teams are intentional about culture, they create workplaces that better reflect their values and give people a reason to stay. NAMM YP is here to share leadership conversations that help our industry grow. What is one thing your team does to build culture on purpose?

05/05/2026

You are more than your job title.
In this YP session, Natalie Morrison of Yamaha Music USA and Scott Rife of Eastman Music Company remind us that personal branding is not just about where you work or what your title says. It is about the values, strengths, and defining attributes that shape how people know you. That clarity can open the door to new opportunities in your career and beyond.
What do you want to be known for?

Please join us in welcoming two new members of the NAMM Young Professionals Board of Directors: Caitlyn Cain of Strait M...
25/04/2026

Please join us in welcoming two new members of the NAMM Young Professionals Board of Directors: Caitlyn Cain of Strait Music and Jonathan Hendrix of Spicer's Music, LLC.
Both bring valuable perspective, industry experience, and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation through education, mentorship, and networking. We’re excited for the energy and insight they’ll bring to the board as NAMM YP continues creating opportunities for young professionals across our industry.
Help us welcome Caitlyn and Jonathan to the NAMM YP board.

We’re so grateful for Natalie Morrison  of Yamaha Music USA  and Garrison Grisaffi  of Ted Brown Music  and the impact t...
24/04/2026

We’re so grateful for Natalie Morrison of Yamaha Music USA and Garrison Grisaffi of Ted Brown Music and the impact they’ve made on YP members since joining the YP Board of Directors June 2022.

Over the past few years, Natalie and Garrison have helped shape NAMM YP in meaningful ways. Natalie brought thoughtful leadership to the Marketing Committee and helped elevate YP's visibility by finding new ways to spotlight our three pillars: mentorship, education, and networking. Garrison led the Mentorship Committee with intention and care, continuing to strengthen a program that has had a real impact on so many members, while also contributing across multiple committees.

Their reflections say so much about how they’ve shown up in this work. Natalie shared, “As young professionals, there are moments when a door unexpectedly opens, or you meet someone who pushes you in a direction you couldn’t imagine yourself pursuing. Say yes. Accept the open door. Lead with strength and pave the way forward.”

“Early in your career, don’t wait until you feel fully qualified to raise your hand.” Garrison advised, “This industry rewards people who are willing to step in and grow along the way. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, that’s where real growth happens.”

What stands out most is how personal this work has been for both of them. Natalie spoke about how serving on the board expanded her own career in unexpected ways, and how proud she is of the collective work to grow young professionals across the industry. Garrison highlighted being part of the very first mentorship class and how meaningful it has been to help that program grow into something that continues to shape careers, perspectives, and relationships.

Natalie and Garrison, thank you for the authenticity, care, and lived experience you brought to NAMM YP. You will both be deeply missed, and your impact will continue to be felt across this community.

Erin Kessler  of Maple Leaf Strings highlights the real impact of one-to-one support in her YP Pulse article, “The Power...
14/04/2026

Erin Kessler of Maple Leaf Strings highlights the real impact of one-to-one support in her YP Pulse article, “The Power of Personalized Mentorship.” Through real examples and practical insight, she shows how mentorship can help young professionals build confidence, navigate challenges, and grow through connection. That kind of peer-to-peer support is at the heart of the NAMM YP Mentorship Program. Join as a mentor or mentee today.

Joel Menchey  of Menchey Music Service, Inc. shares a great reminder of what mentorship can lead to. In his Music Inc. a...
07/04/2026

Joel Menchey of Menchey Music Service, Inc. shares a great reminder of what mentorship can lead to. In his Music Inc. article, "Be a YP Mentor or Mentee," he highlights the value of guidance, connection, and the kind of relationships that can grow from one meaningful conversation. As he puts it, “you might even make a new friend in the process.” That sense of personal connection is what the NAMM YP Mentorship Program is all about. Apply to be a mentor or mentee today.

31/03/2026

Hiring does not have to be long. It just has to be intentional.
Jonathan Hendrix of Spicer's Music, LLC , Jess Ferrari of Menchey Music Service, Inc. and Amanda Rueter of Ernie Williamson Music share a smarter approach to interviewing, from short pre-screens and upfront pay transparency to in-person conversations and real skill validation. Their takeaway is simple: short, focused steps can reveal more than long interviews ever will. That kind of practical education is exactly what NAMM YP wants to keep bringing to young professionals across the industry. Share this with someone involved in hiring.

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