Director's Notes, April 2025

I’m excited to connect with you this month to share some updates and happenings at the Museum.

First, our Operations Manager, Dave Liggett, is retiring! Dave began as a volunteer before joining our staff, and for the past ten and a half years, he has been a dedicated, steadfast member of our team. His optimism, kindness, and unwavering commitment have shaped the Museum and the experiences of everyone who walks through our doors. We are deeply grateful for all he has contributed and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Additionally, Alisa Mize, our Development Officer, is also moving on. Over 12 and a half years, she has played a key role in fundraising and development, leading our membership program, organizing unforgettable fundraisers, and securing the funding for the complete renovation of our galleries. Her creativity and dedication have left a lasting mark on the Museum, and we are so thankful for all she has accomplished.

We wish both Dave and Alisa the very best in their next adventures. We know they will continue to change lives wherever they go—just as they have here.

Celebrating 25 in 2025!

Now, onto other news… I can hardly believe the Museum of Making Music is already 25 years old (or young!). But I love the synchronicity of 25 in 2025, and that inspired us to have some fun with the number 25 throughout the year in creative ways.

To start, on the 25th of each month from now through February 2026, we’ll be doing something special. First up: "Original Admission Day" on Friday, April 25th — where admission prices will roll back to our original rates: just $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children aged three and older. And that’s just the beginning! In the coming months, we’ll be celebrating 25 in even more ways. Stay tuned! And if you have creative ideas to add to the mix, we’d love to hear them! Send your suggestions to museum@museumofmakingmusic.org — we’re always open to fun and meaningful ways to mark this milestone.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting the Museum over the years. Our members and patrons mean everything to us. Fun fact: our very first Museum member — and longest-standing member — Peggy still stops by from time to time to give us a vote of confidence or just say “hi.” We cherish those moments as we do our members, our volunteers, and every visitor who walks through our doors — whether they’re passing through on a road trip, here on vacation, or San Diego locals who consider the Museum a welcoming destination.

Music: The Heart of It All

The joy you may pick up on in this article reflects the truth at the core of everything we do: music. It's about the joy of making it, sharing it, exploring it, learning from it, and experiencing it together. Music has this undeniable way of connecting us—across time, space, and emotion. Isn’t it amazing how a familiar song can instantly take you back to a specific moment or bring to life the memory of someone dear to you? We’re honored to be a part of the global community that is dedicated to helping make all this possible. Behind every note played, every song recorded, and every performance shared, there are people and companies dedicated to making music happen and helping everyone find their own unique voice. From instruments to sound equipment to software, the industry we represent provides the tools that bring music to life in ways that are deeply personal and unique to each of us. As we celebrate 25 years, we’re reminded that the Museum isn’t just a place — it’s a community of music lovers, creators and explorers, all brought together by the power of music and the innovations that support it. And we’re here for you.

Carolyn Grant, Executive Director
Museum of Making Music