Memphis. When we talk about American cities that have a rich musical heritage, Memphis is surely near the top of the list. Blues, soul, rhythm & blues, rock ‘n roll, rockabilly, rap, hip-hop—they all have deep roots in that Tennessee town....
Before we talk guitars, let’s go a few octaves lower and talk about our current special exhibition, Low: The Power and Beauty of Bass. The exhibition, and the related concert series, have been received with great enthusiasm by the Museum’s...
By the end of World War II, the demand for guitars was fueling an increase in production across the country. Many of these guitars were being manufactured in the East and Midwest. But there were a few “luthiers” (that’s a maker of stringed...
About five years ago, during our first museum gallery renovation, we installed a touchscreen interactive display called the Global Spotlight Wall in the Museum’s fifth gallery. Its purpose was to celebrate NAMM’s ever-expanding global reach,...
In 2015, the Museum presented a series of concerts entitled Summer Sounds. With tremendous success. More than 700 people attended and enjoyed last summer’s five concerts. So we decided to do it again! This year’s series of exciting and...
It seems that 2017 came and went in not much more than the blink of an eye. But I’m happy to report that despite the relentless pace, much was accomplished, and the Museum of Making Music not only had a successful year, it was a record-breaking...
We’re pleased to introduce Jonathan Piper as our new Manager of Museum Collections and Exhibitions. Jonathan was born and raised in San Diego. A classically trained tubist, he obtained an undergraduate degree in music performance from the...
In August 2017, we launched our annual giving drive. Our goal for this fiscal year? To raise $50,000. So far, we’re at $58,000. Call us over-achievers! But before the celebrations begin and the dollars stop coming in, we should remind one and...
The Membership program is a critical component of the Museum’s success because… Well, for one reason, it brings in important dollars that help us pay for various education programs and exhibitions. There is no minimizing that fact!...
The 1930s saw an impressive number of experiments and innovations from the music products industry, many of them driven by the possibility of electrifying just about anything and everything. Where some of these innovations, like the Hammond Organ,...
This fall, the Spring 2017 Production Guitar Class at Palomar College donated 15 “parlor guitars” to the Museum. These guitars were designed and built by students under the guidance of their professor, Jack Stone. A special “thank you”...
Giving. It’s a word we hear quite a bit during this time of year. The saying “It’s better to give than receive” feels true for all of us. Who among us has not felt that positive, emotional “rush” when giving freely, be it time, talent,...
This coming June, the Museum will be displaying a collection of Henry Diltz’s photographs in our special exhibition gallery. Henry Diltz? The name might not be recognizable to most, but the photographs certainly are. Especially if you own an...
One of our core beliefs is that exposure to live music is essential. Thus, our performance series is a key element of our identity and impact, and it figures prominently in our 3-year Strategic Plan (2018-2020). Although most of the concerts sell...
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Notes, the re-invented and re-designed newsletter of the Museum of Making Music. This new publication will not attempt to tell you about ev-erything that has happened, is happening, or will happen at the Museum…...
