Adult categories
2025 New England Music Festival adult categories and other information

Anyone who is at least 19 years old can participate in the adult categories. Those who are 19-22 years old may participate in either adult or N.E. Cup categories, but not both. Adult participants do not have to take lessons from an ATAM member. The solo categories are listed by instrument below:

Memorization is optional, but time limits must be observed. A clean copy of music must be submitted for NE Championship, classical, and full set solos. Clean copies are not required for any non-classical solos. See additional category specific information below:

• Two classical pieces (one original composition for accordion) required for NE Championship.
• Digital sounds and accompaniments may be used for the Digital Non-classical Accordion solo.
• Recorded accompaniment allowed for Non-classical Guitar and Voice, and Full-set Drum solos.

Duets and Groups
There will be categories for adult duets and groups (three-member minimum). Any instrument or combination of instruments may be used. Sheet music is required (does not have to be a clean copy) for duets, and groups need to submit a score.

Fees
There is a $25.00 fee for each solo ($50.00 for NE Championship), and $20.00 for each member of a duet or group. In addition, there is a $25.00 registration fee for each contestant or family, which comes with a program book and a souvenir for each contestant.

Awards
Medals and trophies will be awarded at the awards ceremony for all adult participants in the same room where they performed (NE Championship awarded at banquet). Participants will be judged on interpretation, tempo, dynamics, phrasing, technique, and musicianship, and medals will be based on score: Gold Medal--Excellent (95-100); Silver Medal--Very Good (90-94); and Bronze Medal--Good (85-89). 

Please send an email to ATAMNEMUSICFESTIVAL@GMAIL.COM, if you have any questions or need more information.