The National Institute of Music and Arts (NIOMA) was founded in 1932 by Harry Baxter and Mary Strnad in Seattle, Washington. Another branch was opened in Los Angeles in 1934. NIOMA was a music school offering classes in music and the performing arts, they also distributed instruments, accessories and sheet music. There were at least seven NIOMA branded guitar models – three acoustic guitars, two resophonic guitars, and two electric lap steel guitars. There were also NIOMA amplifiers. NIOMA was closed in 1952.

Source: Nioma Guitars. Peter Blecha. Vintage Guitar Magazine. January 2014.