Crafting Connection and Leadership: 2025 Women of NAMM Leadership Summit

Heid Music proudly celebrates our Head Luthier, Kara McCanna, who recently participated in the 2025 Women of NAMM (WoN) Leadership Summit at NAMM Headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Now in its sixth year, this three-day summit brought together 18 exceptional women from across the music retail industry for a transformative experience in leadership and professional development. Guided by Dr. Jennifer Hall, a renowned executive coach and psychologist, the program focused on connection, growth, and the ongoing pursuit of personal and professional excellence.

For Kara, the summit was more than a professional milestone; it was a moment of deep reflection and inspiration. “I met a wide range of memorable and inspiring women,” she shared. “Dr. Hall led a thought-provoking series of exercises and assessments with enlightening and introspective moments. I came away with a sense of examining what it means to belong and contribute to a community professionally, creatively, and personally.”

From her storefront workshop at Heid Music, Kara embodies that same spirit of connection and craftsmanship every day. A professional violinist and luthier, she brings music to life through her meticulous artistry by restoring, repairing, and creating string instruments that carry their own stories. Whether rebuilding a 200-year-old violin or setting up a student’s first viola, Kara approaches each instrument with equal care, precision, and respect for its voice.

Her expertise is backed by years of study and experience, including degrees and certifications from the Chicago School of Violin Making, the Appraisers Association of America, and Minnesota State College Southeast’s Violin Repair program, where she graduated summa cum laude. Kara’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her bench as an active performer with the Weidner Philharmonic Symphony, a Fox Valley Youth Symphony coach, and a proud member of professional organizations like the Violin Society of America and the Guild of American Luthiers.

At Heid Music, Kara works among fellow musicians, educators, and specialists who share her dedication to the art and community of music. Her participation in the Women of NAMM Leadership Summit reinforces our collective belief in the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and creativity across all levels of the music industry.

Heid Music congratulates Kara and all of this year’s Women of NAMM participants for continuing to shape the future of music through leadership, artistry, and purpose.