"Yes, partnerships are important,” says MENC member Tracy Leenman, “and one of the most important is a partnership with a music retailer. Because of rapidly-occurring changes in the industry, this relationship is essential for keeping up with the latest mergers, brands, models, and specs that affect the music educator’s daily decisions.”
Leenman continues, “The local dealer is the educator’s connection to NAMM, the International Music Products Association (www.namm.org), a major supporter of music advocacy and music research, and the creator of many initiatives that involve more people in music-making.”
“Today’s Internet-savvy students tend to shop online and look first for the lowest price,” states Leenman, “but an Internet company can’t lend you a keyboard, quickly solder a leadpipe, or replace a drumhead for you--on the spot--in an emergency. A good music dealer can do all of this, and he or she can also help with recruiting, retention, budget proposals, writing grants, in-service workshops, music technology, and much more.”
She concludes, “the educator-retailer relationship is truly a partnership critical to successful music teacher preparation.”
Resources:
- For a list of companies affiliated with MENC, go to the MENC Web site, click on “Business Connection” in the left-hand banner, and choose “View the Corporate Member Directory” then ”List All Organizations.”
- For information on specific music dealers and manufacturers, contact the National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD, www.nasmd.com), an affiliate of NAMM whose members are dedicated to supporting their areas’ school music programs.
Tracy E. Leenman, who teaches bassoon privately, is a music educator/clinician with Musical Innovations in Greenville, South Carolina. She taught choral and instrumental music for thirty-five years. Leenman also chairs the South Carolina Coalition for Music Education and serves as an occasional guest conductor.
--Ella Wilcox, February 11, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)