John Mlynczak

President and CEO of NAMM

John Mlynczak is the President and CEO of NAMM, with expertise in the music industry, education, technology, and leadership. He previously worked as Vice President of Music Education & Technology at Hal Leonard. John has held positions at VanderCook College, Massachusetts Music Educators Association, and served on advocacy committees. He is a certified Google Level 2 Educator and frequently speaks on education technology and music advocacy. Before joining Hal Leonard, he was the Director of Education at PreSonus Audio. As a musician, he plays trumpet in the MetWinds and has performed in various ensembles. John earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and Masters degrees in both Music Performance and Education Leadership from Louisiana State University.

Jan. 14, 2026

#341 - John Mlynczak - The Evolution of NAMM: From Rock Stars to Industry Professionals

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolution of the NAMM show, its significance in the music industry, and the changes it has undergone over the years. John Mlynczak, the president and CEO of NAMM, shares insights on the importance of artist connections, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shift towards quality over quantity in trade shows. The discussion also highlights the role of emerging artists at NAMM and the need for the industry to adapt to changing market dynamics. In this conversation, John Mlynczak discusses the evolution and future of the NAMM show, emphasizing the importance of leveraging data for targeted marketing, balancing the legacy of the organization with innovation, and the resilience of the music industry amidst challenges like AI and global events. He highlights the significance of customer satisfaction as a measure of success and the role of NAMM in fostering a global music community.

Guest: John Mlynczak

Listen to the Episode