Local Rock Camp Serves Record Numbers in 2016
 
Cumming, GA: Local music school and retail store Music Authority will reach a record number of campers this year, nine years after the camp’s original launch.  The camps has grown from nine campers in July of 2007 to nearly 100 campers over three weeks of camp in 2016. 
 
“The secret of a successful camp is to have a staff of instructors who truly care about the well-being of each and every camper,” explains camp administrator, Melissa Loggins.  “Our purpose is to give every child an opportunity to be successful, to feel like a rock star at the end of camp.”
 
Music Authority’s Rock Camp gives campers from ten to eighteen an opportunity to be in a band and perform in a professional venue.  Throughout the week, they participate in team building, learn about music history, how to promote a band, what image means and how to develop and image for their band, and most important: they work on music and perform in a concert at the end of the week.
 
Some campers attend the camp ten or more times over the course of their life.  Songs are chosen for each band based on the ability level of the students.  This is so everyone is challenge, from the beginner who hasn’t been playing their instrument long to the seasoned veteran camper who at their sixth session of Rock Camp.  “Sometimes, it takes weeks of research before camp starts to make sure each song is exactly right for each camper,” says Loggins.
 
The result is a concert on Friday night that looks and sounds professional.  Even the shyest camper can get on stage, smile, and enjoy being a performer.  This happens in large part because of the support and cheering of their fellow camps.  Rock Camp encourages campers to support each other, encourage each other, and to help each other from the first moment on the first day.  Helping campers feel safe enough to step out of their comfort zone and onto the stage is paramount to building the feeling of Music Authority Family – an extended support system that goes well beyond the last day of summer camp.
 
This year’s camps include a brand new experience: Rock Camp, Junior.  A shorter camp day, coupled with a less intense concert venue on Friday, is reaching out to younger players – ages five through ten.  Rock Camp, Junior, is being held June 27-July 1, 2016.
 
Music Authority’s Rock Camp takes place June 6-10 and July 11-15, 2016.  The camp concert, held at The Warehouse (5095 Post Road, Cumming, 30040), is at 7pm on Friday of camp week and is open to the public.  
 
For more information, contact Melissa Loggins at Music Authority.  770-886-9066.  Photos and Video available.
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Local Music Students Experience the Music Industry Up Close and Personal


June 16, 2016


Cumming, Georgia – Two local music students will experience the music industry up close and personal this month as they travel to Nashville for the NAMM Show.  Jake Lanni and Christian Strandquist, students at Music Authority located in Cumming, will attend the music industry convention as part of Music Authority’s educational Showcase Band program.
Both students will arrive in Nashville on Thursday, June 23, to network with industry professionals.  They will be able to look at new products, talk to regional and international products vendors, take part in educational offerings, and maybe even make time to listen to some live music.

“The NAMM Show is closed to the public on Thursday and Friday, the days most business is done,” explains Music Authority owner, Melissa Loggins, “It’s a special opportunity for these two students to have access to and experience how business is done.”
There will be plenty to see in Nashville.  Vendors like Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, G&L, Mapex, and more will be there demonstrating their products.  Artists will be giving demonstrations and product managers will be available to answer questions.
“I’m very excited to be going to Nashville,” Jake Lanni says.  “It’s a great opportunity to learn how that side of the industry works, to learn how to communicate better, to network, and to meet some interesting people.”
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Jake Lanni and Christian Strandquist are a part of Music Authority’s Showcase Band program.  Jake, the lead guitarist for Music Authority’s Rise, has been a student at Music Authority since 2009.  Christian Strandquist is the drummer for Music Authority’s Eclipse and has been a student at Music Authority since 2011.  Both young men plan on pursuing careers in the music industry after high school.

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Music Authority
123 Merchants Square
Cumming, GA 30040
770-886-9066

MEDIA CONTACT:       Melissa A. Loggins               
                                     Music Authority                                                                    
                                     770-886-9066                                                                        
                                     [email protected]

Cumming’s Music Authority Named One of World’s Top 100 Music Stores
 
Cumming, Georgia (May 20, 2015) — Music Authority in Cumming, Georgia has been named of the world’s Top 100 musical instrument and product retailers for the first time. The global association for the music products industry, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), will formally present Music Authority with the Top 100 honor during the industry’s upcoming trade event, Summer NAMM in Nashville.  
 
“For us, it isn’t about how many guitars we can sell.  It’s about how many lives we can impact in a positive way.” said Melissa Loggins, CFO at Music Authority.
 
The Top 100 designation recognizes:

• A demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service
• Proven community advocacy and support for for music education
• An exemplary retail experience worth returning for and recommending to others
• Merchandising and marketing tactics that encourage repeat sales
• Sound planning for future success, employing marketing and training initiatives
• Engaging and effective use of web and social media

 
Music Authority is also under consideration to receive the Dealer of the Year award, NAMM’s highest honor for retailers, and seven other “Best of” awards including: Best Store Design, Best Marketing and Sales Promotion, Best Online Engagement, Music Makes a Difference Award, Best Emerging Dealer, Best Store Turnaround and Best Customer Service. Winners of these categories, as well as Dealer of the Year, will be announced at the July 10 award ceremony in Nashville.
 
Businesses vying for Top 100 status are evaluated for a sound business model, resourceful approaches, and effective implementation of best practices. A panel of independent judges scores each entry to determine the Top 100. Dubbed the ‘retail Oscars’ by Music Inc. magazine, NAMM’s Top 100 Dealer Awards spotlights the industry’s very best music product retailers.
 
“The music retailers honored with NAMM’s Top 100 Dealer status are those working hard to create positive musical experiences for everyone from those just learning to experienced musicians,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “Music Authority is an important ambassador for making music in the Atlanta area and exemplifies the passion for making music that unites us all.”
 
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About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,900 member companies located in 100 countries. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.