At just ten years old, Daniel began taking accordion lessons. His biggest fans were his dear grandpa and grandma who had a wish for anyone in their family to play an accordion that reminded them of their youth.

After a few different teachers, Daniel had stumbled upon Sam Falcetti who was the most influential teacher Daniel has ever met. His skills advanced rapidly and his desire grew faster. At every family gathering, Daniel was the center of attention for his newly learned pieces. But his diligence toward music went beyond the family circle. In 2018, there was a musical competition amongst private schools where Daniel was not only the very first accordion player, but he even won first place. Everyone was intrigued and couldn’t wait for his next performance.

Many of these performances were organized by his teacher, Sam Falcetti. There were indoor events as well as outdoor events at Chicopee Mass. outdoor park and at the Big E! Daniel got to perform on stage with the New England Digital Accordion Orchestra and play with many older professionals.

Today 14-year-old Daniel has accordion lessons every other week and is eagerly preparing for an upcoming competition that will be held in April of 2021 by the ATAM. Outside of his lessons, he is in two orchestras in his church. One, with about 20-30 other kids his age, where he plays the lead parts. And two, with about 20 other musicians creating a folk instrumental band with guitars, mandalins and other accordions.

Daniel’s enthusiasm for playing the accordion has inspired two of his friends and a few of his relatives to follow in his footsteps. Personally, as his older sister playing the bassoon, the amount of joy he brings with his jolly songs, even I wish I could play the accordion