Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Music William Jackson Newton (July 12, 1932-) was born in Camden, Arkansas. After receiving M.M.Ed, and Ed.D. degrees from North Texas State University, he joined the Appalachian State University faculty. Prior to his 1967 appointment, Newton had been a bandsman in the United States Army in Europe, an instrumental music teacher in the Arkansas and Texas public schools, and a music store salesman/instrument technician in Arkansas. Dr. Newton introduced the music industry studies degree concept-the first four-year degree to focus on the music products industry-at Appalachian State in 1972. In 1978 he presented a proposal to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for a NAMM affiliate organization comprised of colleges offering four-year degrees in music products marketing. Some of the industry/campus reciprocal activities outlined in that proposal were inaugurated in 1981. Chief among these was an industry-wide job-placement service which brought college graduates and music merchants together on a national basis. The success of the placement service and other industry/campus projects led to recognition by NAMM in 1986 of the NAMM Affiliated Music Business Institutions (NAMBI). Newton served as founding president of NAMBI. The purpose of the organization is to provide for structured reciprocal services between the campus programs and the music merchants who are the membership of NAMM. Dr. Newton retired in 1993 and was awarded the rank of professor emeritus at that time. He has published a textbook entitled Reed Instrument and Flute: A Handbook for Mom, Dad, Students and Teachers. He and his wife Pat, live in Hampstead, North Carolina, ten minutes from the nearest fishing pier. Sources: Appalachian State University files. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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