In September, emerging professional Emma Dawson had a unique opportunity to join NAMM and its Members in D.C. as they championed the importance of music education to the nation’s leaders. She summarized her experience by saying, “Hill Day was life-changing for me. I loved the fast-paced energy of walking between the Senate and House buildings, talking to all sorts of people, and networking with many of our country’s great music educators and advocates throughout the day.”
Dawson recently graduated from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a minor in Innovation, Change, and Entrepreneurship. Dawson is now two months into a two-year position with Venture for America, a nonprofit that gives “recent college graduates firsthand startup experiences that help them become leaders who make meaningful impacts with their careers.” She hopes to utilize her experiences with Venture for America in conjunction with her degree and experiences with NAMM and its programs to one day embark on a career in music advocacy and public policy.
Dawson first became involved with NAMM in 2020 when she applied for the coveted President’s Innovation Award (PIA). The PIA provides students a one-time stipend to attend The NAMM Show and capitalize on the networking, events, and educational experiences the Show offers. At the time, she was a collegiate member of the National Association for Music Educators and was determined to learn more about advocacy and public policy. Ever the self-starter, Dawson began a round of cold calls to stakeholders and was eventually connected with NAMM’s Mary Luehrsen, who encouraged her to apply for the PIA. (Editor’s Note: Dawson would later attend The 2022 NAMM Show upon cancellation of The 2021 NAMM Show because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.)
We spoke with Dawson fresh off NAMM’s Hill Day, where she spent significant time alongside Luehrsen advocating for equitable music education in our nation’s schools.
Q: What inspired you to consider a career in the music industry?
A: I have felt inspired by all of my music teachers and professors, including my elementary and middle school teacher, Mr. Wang and Mrs. Lemaire; high school teachers, Mrs. Pace and Mr. Rohrbaugh; and my professors at the University of Tulsa: Professors Howard, Wacker, and Wagner. I am also incredibly thankful for a semester of in-person student teaching under the direction of Bobby Kitchen, Keysto Stotz, and Chase Arthurs.
Additionally, I have always felt a calling to lead a career related to music and advocacy. My love for teaching and working with children has only grown over the years, and I value being an ally for teachers’ rights and fine arts education. With a passion for leading and a plan to use my skills in entrepreneurship, nonprofit expertise, and music education, I plan to lead a life of advocating for music until every child can learn in music classrooms.
Lastly, as a female percussionist, I feel empowered to show other young girls they have a space in music to be themselves. I’ve always been outspoken and outgoing, and I attribute much of my confidence to the growth and safe space I found in my music classrooms.
Q: Can you share some of your highlights as a PIA recipient at The 2022 NAMM Show?
A: The NAMM Show exceeded all my expectations. I loved having the opportunity to explore the Show and its sessions. Some of my favorites included the Grand Rally for Music Education, The PIA Meet and Greet with NAMM CEO Joe Lamond, and the Visionary Women in Musical AI session. I learned about industries outside my own and stepped foot on the Show floor with hundreds of other curious musicians. I met many other PIA students and am still in contact with them today. I loved the energy of the Show and have plans to return in the future.
Overall, The NAMM Show opened my eyes to the many careers and opportunities within the music industry. I felt empowered in the music education sessions, and as a result, I see my connection to NAMM as a building block for my future music career. In addition, it helped connect me to the many people who invited me to Hill Day.
Q: Why are events like NAMM’s Hill Day critical to our industry?
A: Advocacy is simply standing up for others through empathy and backing up your words with action. I love the act of advocating for others because you are making a difference. I plan to use the privileges I’ve been given in this life to stand up for others who may not have the same access. Music education advocacy is so important because every child deserves the opportunity to learn and connect through musical opportunities.
Beyond this, Hill Day gave me the push I needed to envision myself in public policy down the road. I feel a strong sense of purpose from our work in D.C. and can confidently say I could see myself continuing much more of the work we did on Hill Day. My eyes have been opened to possibly exploring a higher degree in public policy, interning in D.C., or working alongside organizations like The NAMM Foundation.
Q: What advice do you have for students looking to get involved?
A: Stay curious! All of this started because I went on the internet and started cold-emailing professionals in my field. If you stay curious and genuine in your interactions with others, you’ll be surprised to see the opportunities that will open. Additionally, if you are interested in getting a larger perspective of the many careers that music can offer, attend some of NAMM’s events and apply to be a PIA scholar! I would be happy to help any student who is looking to apply or looking for someone to talk to about future career questions.
You will be able to find Dawson and other up-and-coming professionals at The 2023 NAMM Show through The NAMM Foundation’s GenNext program. GenNext brings together college music students and faculty from across the U.S. to discover opportunities to further explore the latest industry trends, products, and tools relevant in today’s music classrooms.
To attend The 2023 NAMM Show, please visit and for more information on the PIA and NAMM’s Hill Day