WOMEN OF NAMM I BY ANGELICA PRIMACHENKO Finding My Place in MI
G rowing up surrounded by music, I always knew there was nothing I wanted to do more than play music. It was a constant in my life, but making a career out of it was an entirely different story. I eventually moved into the world of business, with music becoming more of a hobby on the side. Even after becoming marketing manager at the Baroque Violin Shop in Cincinnati, I didn’t fully see myself as a part of the music in- dustry. I wasn’t a string player, and my focus was on marketing, which felt like a separate world. But everything shifted when I attended my first NAMM show in January as a Women of NAMM (WoN) scholar.
and determination.
As I reflect on this experi- ence, I no longer see myself as an outsider in the music industry. Instead, I feel more connected to our industry than ever before. Whether you’re a musician, a marketer, or any- thing in between, we all have a role to play in shaping the future of the music industry. If there’s one valuable trait I want to encourage in others, it’s to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, throughout the year NAMM offers so many ways for us to connect, support and grow. I encourage you to participate in a Deep Dive ses- sion, listen to the podcast, or apply for the WoN scholarship. These opportunities will help build relationships as we con- tinue developing our careers. This experience reminded me personally that success isn’t only measured by individual achievements, but it’s about how we can support and uplift those around us. By connect- ing, supporting and growing together, we can take our ca- reers to new heights. I’m ex- cited to be an integral part of this community and contribute in my own way. I encourage you to take that first step. You never know where that first connection or introduction might lead or how it could shape your future. It certainly changed mine, and I’ll always be grateful. MI
Attending The 2025 NAMM Show was an ex- perience I’ll never forget. Walking through the convention halls, I was struck by the energy, in- novation and diversity on display. The scale of the event was overwhelming at first, but excite- ment quickly replaced any hesitation I had. For the first time, I truly felt like I belonged in this vibrant industry. One of the highlights of the show was being introduced to this community of women. The WoN scholarship played a huge role in making this experience so transformative. It wasn’t just a ticket or a badge into The NAMM Show — it was an invitation into a community of women who share the same passion for music and the drive to
uplift one another. It opened my eyes to the many ways we can all be part of the music industry, regardless of our background or specific skills. I realized we’re all after the same thing — looking to inspire one another and empower those around us to keep mak- ing and playing music. Each conversation became a valuable opportunity for growth, and those connections continue to shape how I approach my work and professional development. We don’t grow in isolation; we grow when we share our knowledge, support each other, and build meaningful relationships. THE POWER OF THE WON SCHOLARSHIP The WoN scholarship also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, knowing I had the backing of NAMM and an entire community. Attending WoN gatherings was par- ticularly meaningful. Being surrounded by talented, driven women who were invested in each other’s success left a lasting impact on me. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose
A reflection on my first NAMM show experience and the Women of NAMM (WoN) Scholarship.
Angelica Primachenko is the marketing manager for Barqoue Violin Shop in Cincinnati and a member of Women of NAMM.
28 I MUSIC INC. I APRIL 2025
Powered by FlippingBook