From the Director: Growth and Renewal

As winter transitions into spring, February invites us to embrace growth and renewal. Here at the Museum of Making Music, this season is a time of inspiration and discovery, as we witness and celebrate music's incredible power to nurture creativity and connection.

This year, however, we are reminded that growth often emerges in the wake of challenge. The recent fire in Los Angeles is a sobering example of how communities come together to rebuild and renew after loss. Like music itself, these moments of renewal reflect resilience and hope—a determination to find harmony even amid discord. We extend our deepest support to all affected and are inspired by the strength and compassion of those working toward recovery.

Closer to home, our North Coast Strings recently performed their first concert of the year, and it was truly inspiring. The dedication and progress of these musicians—who come from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds—serve as a testament to the transformative power of music. Their growth is a reminder that music making enriches lives in ways that transcend age or experience.

We’re also at the start of a very busy season welcoming elementary school students on tours of the museum. In fact, the last time I checked, I saw that we have tours booked every morning through May! These young visitors bring a special energy to our galleries as they learn, explore, and discover music. In many ways, these tours are about planting seeds—sparking curiosity and creativity that we hope will grow into a lifelong relationship with music.

And speaking of inspiration, we’ve just returned from The 2025 NAMM Show, the premier global event for the music, sound, and event technology industries. There, we saw growth and innovation everywhere—on the faces of students, in exciting new product launches, and in the shared commitment of an entire industry to make music as accessible as humanly possible. The NAMM Show is a vibrant affirmation that music is alive, thriving, and evolving in remarkable ways.

At the museum, we strive to carry this energy forward in all we do—through our exhibits, programs, and partnerships. Whether you’re a musician, a music lover, or simply curious about the stories behind the instruments that shape our lives, we invite you to join us and be part of this season of growth.

Here’s to a year filled with music, creativity, and renewal. We look forward to welcoming you soon!