In 1901, 52 members of the National Piano Manufacturers Association of America formed the National Association of Piano Dealers of America (NAPDA) to unite and promote legitimate piano makers and sellers in New York City at a time when many unscrupulous dealers were selling cheap knock-offs as better and more expensive brands. The organization lobbied heavily in Washington, D.C. to establish fair practices in musical instrument marketing. The organization's first annual trade show and convention was held in Baltimore, Maryland the following year with membership dues at $5.00 per store. In 1912, the NAPDA became the National Association of Piano Merchants of America (NAPMA). By 1919, after the popularity of early
jazz and the
marching band music of
John Philip Sousa had convinced many piano merchants to produce full lines of
band instruments. The NAPMA renamed itself National Association of Music Merchants, or NAMM. with NAMM pledging $250,000 in 1920 toward the establishment of a national conservatory of music in the US. NAMM membership grew from 154 members in 1936 to 554 members in 1941, and in 1946, NAMM headquarters moved to 28 East
Jackson Blvd in
Chicago. By 2015, NAMM membership had reached 10,000 members. ==Trade shows==