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About Us | The New England Music Festival

What is the New England Music Festival?

The New England Music Festival is an annual musical competition sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM;  established in 1962) which typically features more than 3000 entries and 800 contestants from all across New England.

All events are free and open to the public, while entry fees for contestants range from $10 to $30. During the festival, contestants, ages through 22, take part in accordion, guitar, bass guitar, drum, percussion, piano, and voice competitions. Solo, duet and group categories are also offered. Non Competitive Categories include evaluation solos and festival group divisions. Contestants must be students of ATAM teachers.

The three-day event takes place Friday through Sunday. On Friday evening and Sunday a “Battle of the Bands” is held in the hotel ballroom. Cash awards are given to the first, second and third place winners in three divisions. The Accordion, Guitar, Drum, and Piano Championships are also held Friday evening with cash awards given to all competitors.

On Saturday and Sunday continuous group competitions are held in the hotel ballroom. Solo and duet competitions are ongoing. An awards banquet is held on Saturday evening with more than 500 in attendance. A $500.00 cash scholarship is awarded to a contestant accepted as a Music Major in college. More than $3,000 in cash is awarded to winners throughout the weekend. Contestants are evaluated by judges from all over the country.

At the event, students will have an opportunity to participate in workshops, compete in age-level categories, perform for evaluation, attend concerts, and have fun at a Dance Party on Saturday evening. One of the best things about the event-contestants can participate regardless of their experience level or ability.

Questions?

So now that you know what the New England Music Festival is, you probably have lots of questions. Please check out the list of frequently asked questions on the FAQ page. While these questions attempt to provide as much information as possible about the event, your best source for information is an ATAM music school or teacher.

For additional assistance contact the Festival Co-Chairpersons. Contact information is provided on the Contact Information page.

Thank you  for your interest in the New England Music Festival.