15th February 2023

After a comprehensive year-long search, industry veteran and music education advocate John Mlynczak has been appointed as the next President and CEO of The National Association of Music Merchants.

Mlynczak said, “Throughout the course of my career, I have experienced firsthand the work of NAMM and the invaluable connections, opportunities, and advocacy of the association in creating more music makers. I am honored to serve NAMM and our members by continuing to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.”

The Australian Music Association and the National Association of Music Merchants have a long history of collaboration, and continue to work together on advocacy, Make Music Day, the Global Report, the Australian reception at the NAMM Show, International Coalition, Oral History, and more. The NAMM Foundation supports Make Music Day in Australia.  AMA Executive Officer Alex Masso said “We look forward to continuing our productive collaboration and working on our shared interests under NAMM’s new leadership, and I’m looking forward to meeting John at this year’s NAMM Show.”

Read the full statement from NAMM here

Newly appointed NAMM CEO & President, John Mlynczak

About John Mlynczak

Mlynczak comes to the organization with extensive experience in the music products, education, and technology industry, having most recently served as the Vice President of Music Education & Technology at Hal Leonard. While there, he oversaw the worldwide education market strategy, managed all education software products, and collaborated on all music education technology initiatives for the global organization. His previous roles include Managing Director of Noteflight and Director of Education for PreSonus Audio.

Mlynczak is the immediate Past President of the Technology Institute of Music Educators (TI:ME), has taught online graduate courses at VanderCook College, served as the Advocacy Chair of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association, and was on the NAfME Advocacy Leadership Force.

​Before his career at Hal Leonard, John served as Director of Education for PreSonus Audio, developing curriculum, products, and marketing strategies for music education technology.  ​

As an educator, Mlynczak taught general music, band, choir, marching band, and music technology.  He started the first music technology course in Louisiana and wrote the state curriculum for an officially approved course. From 2011- 2013, Mlynczak served as Chairman of the Creative Arts Assessment Committee in Louisiana and provided model assessment for the creative arts.

Mlynczak earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and holds Masters Degrees in both Music Performance and Education Leadership from Louisiana State University.

Mlynczak will join the NAMM team in Carlsbad, California, on April 3 and officially assume the role of CEO on Monday, May 1.

Register now for the 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15 in Anaheim, California: www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend