Western Illinois Student, Professor Earn Opportunity to Meet Industry Experts
A Western Illinois University student and professor earned a scholarship and grant from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) to attend their national conference in Anaheim, CA, in January 2025.
Senior Music Business major Makenna Frank earned the prestigious Lamond GenNext Award and WIU Director of Music Business Kyle Jones was given a NAMM GenNext Faculty Award. The awards come with complimentary registration to the conference and money toward travel expenses. This conference allows students and faculty to network with industry professionals and learn from fellow music business and industry faculty across the United States.
The GenNext program will include access to the NAMM Show floor, educational sessions and a chance to attend the Sandy Feldstein Industry Roundtable moderated by NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak.
Frank, who is a talent grant recipient through the University Dance Company, said she is excited to use this opportunity to get a start on her future career.
“I am eager to get a jumpstart on meeting people in the industry, connecting with other students with the same career goals, and learning more about the industry from the people working in it,” Frank said.
For more information on the WIU School of Music, visit wiu.edu/music.
WIU Director of Music Business, Kyle Jones (left), and WIU Senior Music Business major, Makenna Frank (right), were each recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants ahead of a conference in January 2025.
