Education at NAMM 2026: AI and Music

Education has become one of the defining pillars of the NAMM Show, and the 2026 program continued that momentum with a deep slate of panels, workshops and thought‑leadership sessions focused on the rapidly changing landscape of music creation, technology and business. NAMM’s education track brought together legal experts, artists, engineers, brand strategists and industry innovators to help attendees navigate everything from intellectual property and AI to branding, production and the future of creative work. These sessions offered practical guidance and forward‑looking insight, reinforcing NAMM’s role not only as a gear showcase but as a hub for professional development and industry‑wide dialogue. Even though there were so many events going on, attending these sessions to learn the latest on music law, and network with other attorneys, was a key goal. Below are three highlights.

Who Owns the Future of Music in the Age of AI: Decoding AI’s Legal Impact on Music

This panel tackled one of the most urgent questions facing today’s music industry: how artificial intelligence is reshaping ownership, rights and compensation. Led by a diverse group of experts—including Jessica Fajfar (University of San Francisco / RafterMarsh US, P.C.), entertainment attorney Nathaniel Bach, multi‑instrumentalist and composer Jessy Greene, UJAM CEO Wolfram Knelangen, and attorney Philipp Lengeling—the discussion explored how AI challenges traditional copyright frameworks and disrupts long‑standing assumptions about authorship. The speakers broke down recent legal cases, industry responses and the practical implications for artists, publishers and rights holders, offering attendees a grounded understanding of how to protect their work as AI becomes increasingly embedded in music creation and distribution. I had a chance to talk to Jessica and Nathaniel, and get their views on the rapidly evolving effect of AI on music law.

Trademarks and Brand Integrity in the Age of AI

As AI and Artificial Creativity tools make it easier than ever to replicate voices, likenesses and artistic styles, this workshop focused on the expanding definition of brand protection in the modern music ecosystem. Led by mastering engineer and industry leader Gavin Lurssen alongside entertainment attorney Rachel Stilwell, the session examined how creators and companies can safeguard not just their logos and product names, but their identity, voice, likeness and creative signature. The speakers outlined practical strategies for navigating trademarks, licensing, and rights of publicity—both in the U.S. and internationally—giving artists, manufacturers and audio professionals a roadmap for defending their creative essence and commercial value in an era where imitation is effortless. Another session highlighting the many ways AI effects IP law!

What Good Is an AI‑Generated Song If You Can’t Copyright It?

This seminar confronted the growing tension between AI‑generated music and copyright law, highlighting the real‑world consequences for songwriters, producers and labels. Featuring Clinetel Records CEO Thornton Cline, artist Rachel DeeLynn, songwriter/producer Chen Neeman, and renowned entertainment attorney Ron Bienstock, the discussion unpacked the U.S. Copyright Office’s refusal to grant protection to AI‑generated works and the ripple effects across the industry—from Grammy eligibility to sync licensing in film and television. The speakers explored how creators are using tools like Suno, where the legal pitfalls lie, and what the future might hold for artists who rely on AI as part of their songwriting process. The session ultimately asked a provocative question: if AI‑generated songs can’t be owned, how should creators think about their value? This was an amazing session!

Overall, I found the educational seminars very compelling, and helpful to keep up with the rapidly evolving legal landscape, especially the impact of AI on the law.