As the NAMM Show lands back in Anaheim this January, the culminating moment won’t just be about gear and gadgets, it’ll be about people, passion, and the future of music itself.
On Saturday morning, January 24, the annual Grand Rally for Music Education returns to The 2026 NAMM Show, shining a spotlight on the role education plays in shaping tomorrow’s musicians. Hosted by NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak alongside NAMM Foundation Executive Director Julia Rubio, the event promises to be a stirring mix of performances, stories, and big-hearted advocacy for the arts.
For many in the music world, this rally has become a place to pause and remember why we all show up to NAMM in the first place: the transformative power of teaching, learning, and sharing music.
One of the marquee highlights of the morning will be five-time GRAMMY winner Victor Wooten. More than just a virtuoso bassist, Wooten has carved out a reputation as an educator with a message. His approach reframes music not as a subject to memorize but as a language learned by doing, listening, and playing—a philosophy that has influenced teachers and students alike.
Joining Wooten is Chad Smith, the legendary drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Smith’s presence at NAMM signals just how deeply music education resonates throughout the industry.
Beyond his iconic grooves, Smith has leaned into advocacy offstage. In 2025 he launched the Chad Smith Foundation, aimed at providing scholarships, instruments, and educational opportunities for young musicians—efforts born from his belief that “every kid, no matter where they come from, deserves the chance to explore their musical potential.” The foundation is about “opening doors, removing barriers, and helping young talent flourish,” he has said previously.
The rally also brings in The Roots of Music, the New Orleans-based nonprofit that has become synonymous with community-driven music education. The program empowers youth through education, mentorship, academic support (and the joy of playing together) while honoring the city’s vibrant cultural legacy.
The Grand Rally isn’t just for industry heavyweights. Teachers, students, advocates, and music lovers from all corners are welcome to share the morning. With breakfast served (first come, first served) and early-entrance options for those with VIP passes, NAMM is making it easy to start the day with purpose and inspiration.
Presented by Marshall Amplifiers with support from Yamaha Corporation and Musora, the 2026 Grand Rally for Music Education is a reminder that while technology evolves, the heart of the music world pulses strongest where learning, community, and creativity meet.
Victor Wooten photo by Tore Sætre available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.
