[Press information] 01.07.2026

The future of the musical instruments and music products industry is increasingly being shaped at the European level. Regulatory frameworks, sustainability, product safety, the Single Market and digitalisation are just some of the areas in which key decisions affecting the industry are now prepared in Brussels. During its recent strategic retreat, the Society Of Music Merchants (SOMM) therefore adopted a landmark decision: Europe will become an even stronger strategic focus of the association's future activities.

 

As a visible expression of this commitment, SOMM has appointed its Vice President, Susanne Peters (MUSIK MEYER GmbH), to the Board of Directors of the European Soundmakers – Musical Instrument Confederation (ESM). Together with Managing Director Daniel Knöll and Elisabeth Kühl, who will support the operational work of European Soundmakers, SOMM reaffirms its commitment to actively contributing to the further development of the Confederation alongside its European partner associations and to taking responsibility for its long-term success.

 

Europe is not a new project for SOMM – it has been part of the association's identity since its foundation in 2005. This European DNA is reflected in SOMM's permanent European Affairs Committee as well as in its membership, which includes numerous companies based in other European countries, including Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. For more than two decades, SOMM has regarded itself not only as a national trade association, but also as a driving force for the development of the musical instruments and music products sector across Europe.

 

Against this background, it was only a natural step for SOMM to play a leading role, together with its European partner associations, in founding the European Soundmakers – Musical Instrument Confederation. Together, they laid the foundation for a European umbrella organisation capable of representing the industry's interests with one common voice and addressing future challenges at the European level.

 

With the decisions taken during its strategic retreat, SOMM is now taking the next logical step. Strengthening European cooperation and actively contributing to the work of European Soundmakers have been confirmed as long-term strategic priorities of the association. The appointment of Susanne Peters to the Board of Directors reflects this commitment and underlines SOMM's clear belief in a strong and united Europe.

 

Susanne Peters, Vice President of SOMM and newly appointed Member of the Board of Directors of European Soundmakers, commented: "The future of our industry is increasingly shaped at the European level. Political, regulatory and economic decisions that directly affect how our companies operate and compete are no longer made nationally alone. Through its active involvement in European Soundmakers, SOMM helps ensure that its members' interests are represented at an early stage in the European discussions and decision-making processes that increasingly shape our business enviorment. I strongly believe that the long-term success of our industry depends on collaboration across borders, and I look forward to working closely with our European partners to strengthen the future of our industry together."

 

Daniel Knöll, Managing Director of SOMM, added: "The challenges facing our industry do not stop at national borders. For us, it was therefore only logical to place Europe even more firmly at the heart of our long-term strategy. The establishment of European Soundmakers has created the foundation for a common European voice for our sector. Our task now is to further strengthen this cooperation together with our partner associations and continue building a strong and effective network for the benefit of the entire industry."

 

By appointing a strong team from both its Executive Board and management to the Board of Directors and the operational work of European Soundmakers, SOMM underlines its long-term commitment to a strong European representation of the musical instruments and music products industry – working in partnership, shaping the future together and in close cooperation with its European partner associations.