Bernice Ash Memorial Award

Bernice Ash Memorial Award image
The Bernice Ash Memorial award provides mid-career professionals employed by a NAMM member company with a $5,000 award to use toward professional development. An optional $750 travel stipend is provided to attend The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, Jan. 21-25, 2025. Awardees are also provided with a one-year mentorship through the NAMM Young Professionals organization.

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 December 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.

About the Award

The Bernice Ash Memorial Award provides mid-career professionals employed by a NAMM member company with a $5,000 award to use toward professional development. An optional $750 travel stipend is provided to attend The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, Jan. 21-25, 2025. Awardees are also provided with a one-year mentorship through the NAMM Young Professionals organization.

Timeline

Application Opens: April 15
Submission Deadline: Sept. 9
Award Notification: Oct. 28
The NAMM Show, Anaheim, CA: Jan. 21-25, 2025

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be current 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 ed 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. On is required from the current NAMM member employer or manager who nominated you.
  • two-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.
     

Apply Here

Learn more about Jerry and Bernice Ash. Watch their NAMM Oral History video.

Meet The 2024 Bernice Ash Award winners

Meet Bernice Ash Award winner, Kwanté Greenidge, General Manager, Sam Ash Music

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