Bernice Ash Memorial Award
About the Award
The Bernice Ash Memorial award provides mid-career NAMM member professionals, or employed by a NAMM member company, with a $5,000 award to use toward professional development, and an optional $750 travel stipend is provided to attend The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Awardees are also provided with a one-year mentorship through the NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP).
Timeline
Application Opens: April 15
Submission Deadline: Sept 9
Award Notification: Oct 28
Eligibility
- Applicants must be NAMM members, or employees of a NAMM member company, nominated by that company's owner or manager, and identified as an emerging industry leader seeking further professional development to enhance their career and service to the industry
- Applicants must have at least five years of experience working in the music industry and seek opportunities to expand their leadership and professional competencies
- Applicants are enrolled or plan to enroll in professional development training that can include a higher education program or other certificate programs
- Priority is given to people who have not attended a NAMM Show to provide an educational and NAMM Show immersion experience
- Awards are given once and are not renewable; recipients are not eligible to reapply for the same award
Requirements
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation. One is required from the current NAMM member employer or manager who nominated you
- 500-word essay or 3-minute video outlining what your career goals are in the music industry, and how your proposed professional development will advance opportunities for management and leadership in the music industry
About Bernice Ash
The Bernice Ash Memorial award honors the remarkable life and legacy of Bernice Ash, a music retail visionary. Widely recognized as one of the companies' print music department's pioneers, Bernice designed procedures that resulted in excellent working relationships with music publishers, expanding distribution to music teachers, students, and satisfied customers. Bernice passed away on Dec 1, 2020, at the age of ninety, leaving a loving family, staff and grateful industry that will continue her legacy. The Bernice Ash Memorial award has been created with leadership gifts from Fred and Dinah Gretsch, Jerry Ash and members of the Ash Family, and other donors.
Watch their NAMM Oral History video.
Meet The 2024 Bernice Ash Award winners
Meet Bernice Ash award winner, Kwanté Greenidge
Bernice Ash Memorial Scholarship Fund
The fund supports a scholarship award that recognizes recipients with a one-time grant in the amount of $5,000 for use in continued college-level or trade-related studies, and a travel stipend to attend The NAMM Show. Recipients also receive a one-year mentorship through the NAMM Young Professionals group.