NAMM Launches Free 'Wanna Play Music' Mobile Application on iTunes, Game App Tests Players' 'Musicality' and Features Music Lessons Locator

NAMM Launches Free 'Wanna Play Music' Mobile Application on iTunes, Game App Tests Players' 'Musicality' and Features Music Lessons Locator

Free Music Game App from NAMM Available Now in iTunes Store

CARLSBAD, Calif., July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- NAMM, the 108-year-old, not-for-profit trade association of the international music products industry, today launched its first mobile game application at Apple's iTunes store. The free iPhone game "app" called "Wanna Play Music?" is an entertaining way to test your music making skills, and features a handy tool to quickly find quality local music instructors.

With interest in playing a musical instrument at an all-time high, a wave of new music-related iPhone applications has hit the iTunes virtual shelf. According to a recent Gallup poll*, playing music is an ability wished for by 85 percent of Americans. With that finding in mind, NAMM developed the free game app to help anyone easily get started.

Free, fun and educational, NAMM's "Wanna Play Music?" game app can be played on an iPhone or iPod touch. It features a disc jockey's turntable that tests players' "musicality" - the ability to rhythmically match colored balls that drop onto a color-coded disc jockey turntable. Geared for those who say they "aren't musical," the NAMM app lets players "spin" the turntable as they make their color matches. Betting on proven research that anyone can play music with practice, NAMM hopes to encourage game players to take the next step to playing a real instrument. The NAMM app also features a music store and music lessons' search tool pulling from one of the largest databases of music instructors available on the Web with teacher data from NAMM, MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) and TakeLessons.com, a nationwide provider of lessons.

"TakeLessons was founded on the idea of influencing and inspiring an entire generation through music, and we're pleased to partner with NAMM to help people learn to play and sing," said Steven Cox, CEO and founder of TakeLessons.com. "The NAMM app lesson locator is the quickest and easiest way for iPhone users to find a trusted, local music teacher."

The launch of the free app by NAMM is part of the association's national Wanna Play? public awareness campaign, which recognizes the vital role that music and music education plays in people's lives, and how recreational music making can directly impact the health and social well being of people in all stages of life.

"NAMM is consistently seeking new ways to connect people with the enjoyment and proven benefits of playing music and simple ways anyone can get involved," said Joe Lamond, NAMM's president and CEO. "The 'Wanna Play Music?' application combines amusement with quality resources to learn how to play music. It's never too late to learn to play a musical instrument, whether you are five or 85, and NAMM's new game is a fun and easy first step to give music-making a try."

If you are interested in downloading the new mobile application for your iPhone, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=314865990&mt =8

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

* According to the April 2009 Gallup Poll entitled "2009 Public Attitudes Toward Music"

   MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Robertson, APR                  Director of Marketing and Communications                  NAMM                  760-438-8007, ext. 102                  scottr@namm.org  

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FCMN Contact:

Source: NAMM

CONTACT: Scott Robertson, APR, Director of Marketing and Communications
of NAMM, +1-760-438-8007, ext. 102, scottr@namm.org

Web Site: http://www.namm.org/

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Profile: International Entertainment