JOE NATOLI (right) and MICHAEL SOLOWAY (left) are very excited to announce the creation of a new accordion organization called IDEAS, which stands for International Digital Electronic Accordion Society, the product of a year’s work and planning together.

IDEAS was formed for people who own, play and love their digital/electronic accordion(s) and who have not only a deep curiosity, but a passion to explore everything associated with their digital instrument(s). It is also open to those who may have considered the “idea” (pun intended) of a digital instrument and want to explore and participate first before committing. For these onlookers, it just may evolve into something so exciting that it would be too much fun to pass up!

Digital players are aware that there is technology and method required beyond just playing technique on these instruments to be able to fully realize one’s music/art and the real potential of such an amazing tool. However, until now, there have been few places to go where digital enthusiasts can feel at home to explore, grow, or share musical goals.

Enter IDEAS, whose mission it is to provide a global forum for DIGITAL ACCORDION in all its forms, makes, and models, including the wealth of peripheral equipment and devices used by digital accordionists.

We have already created a Facebook group (just search for “GR8 IDEAS”) which not only enables all discussions and activities related to digital accordion, but also encourages discussions and engagement on what will be our annual Symposium – a super gathering of the best digital accordion enthusiasts, performers, and teachers in the world; applying all their collective knowledge to be shared in an organized and highly effective way. The Symposium will also go under the acronym of IDEAS (International Digital Electronic Accordion Symposium). We have already developed much of the faculty – those who love to teach, along with some of the world’s finest players of these instruments, recording and sound engineers /producers, even medical/chiropractic therapists to help us all enjoy our instruments properly and safely for many years to come. The faculty will be a synergistic group, meeting and planning the very best and effective ways to maximize the educational potential and experience of the entire group as well as the Symposium.

Our first Symposium is planned for Oct 24 – 27, 2018, and will be an incredible educational and knowledge sharing musical retreat for 4 full days where nearly every waking hour will be focused on the requirements of the digital accordionist. Our first event will be held at the spectacular Avalon Inn in Warren, Ohio (http://www.avaloninnandresort.com), situated on a beautiful golf course campus with nothing but wonderful scenery around you. There are patio bars, exceptional jazz piano entertainment nightly, 5-star dining, golfing (in season), indoor tennis, racquetball, recreation center, huge state-of-the-art exercise facility, health spas, Olympic size swimming pool, exceptional rooms and suites, spacious meeting rooms, and outstanding ballroom & concert facilities.

During this retreat, attendees will have the ability to choose to attend a variety of in-depth workshops from two to four hours – depending on your individually determined needs and expectations. There will be private lessons and groups available providing meaningful information on how to really get the most out of your digital instrument, no matter what variety you play. Topics will include programming, orchestration, recording techniques, developing digital orchestras, using digital accordions commercially with success, knowledgably exploring digital effects, equalization techniques, creating music scores directly into notation software via MIDI, sessions with an accomplished organist applied toward organ sound edits, and many more topics as the new faculty is empowered to develop and dream with us. There will also be the daily concerts with some of the world’s best digital performers and the Avalon Inn is very supportive of our playing and performing improvisationally within the facility.

If you do not want to come alone, the Avalon Inn & Resort is a wonderful facility for everyone, with all types of amenities. Significant others will have the ability to go to spa treatments, pedicures, manicures, and cruise the extended Avalon group of resorts with all of their included facilities and dining establishments within 20 miles on freely provided shuttles. As their advertising indicates, “There is never a need to leave the Avalon Inn once you are there.” Additionally, we are currently negotiating for one of our days to include a trip to the nearby Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland for anyone interested.

We hope all digital accordion players will feel like our IDEAS Society, the IDEAS Symposium, and the IDEAS Facebook Page are their musical home – whoever and wherever you are!

Join this group. Become a member of the new IDEAS family. Embrace your instrument and the wonderful world of people who can share that with you. Reserve October 24-27, 2018 in your schedule where we can all study, learn, play, and celebrate together.

Joe Natoli and Michael Soloway