Our lives are filled with music. We listen to it in our cars and on our phones. We follow our favorite artists on social media channels, buy their music, go to their concerts, and attend live music events at local venues and restaurants.

Music surrounds us and it carries us through the good times and the bad times. But do you ever wonder how your favorite artist started in music? Where did they begin their journey of becoming the great success they are today? Did they practice in their garage or bedroom for years before getting that big break?

And more: Where does an aspiring musician get their performing experience? If you live in a small town, what are the chances for young musicians to have access to meaningful resources to improve their skills? And finally, why is it so important to support music at a young age?

According to numerous research studies, there are several benefits to music, and those benefits are strengthened if the skill is acquired at a young age, according to Mountain Pediatrics in Evergreen, CO. Reduced stress and anxiety, reduced depression and increased self-esteem are just some important mental health benefits that make it important to nurture music at a young age.

Fortunately, our local community is filled with opportunities for young musicians. It appears that music is valued and many are ready to step up and help mentor young musicians in our area. From local school districts’ theater programs to many venues hosting open mics—even ones specifically geared toward teens—to local music shops that offer lessons from experienced teachers. And most recently, a brand-new program that helps mentor local young musicians. It helps them develop their talent and adds to their musical experience by gaining confidence and knowledge of live performance.

Sammy Antonetti performs at the Nurnberger Bierhaus, summer 2022.

Maddie Franckowiak performs at Lakewood Lodge in Lakewood, PA.

Marlee Olsson performs at Nurnberger Bierhaus in Lake Ariel, PA.

The NEPA Young Musicians program was founded by the MDK Trio, a local music group that decided to feature local young musicians as opening acts in its outdoor summer 2022 performances at a local restaurant.

This effort provided an opportunity for young musicians to learn valuable skills and gain knowledge and confidence for live performing. “It’s more than just performing,” said Mike Miller, one of the program’s founders, an experienced guitarist and vocalist, and a member of a nationally touring Cars tribute band. “It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for a live performance.”

He listed what’s needed. “Organizational skills are important for picking the right songs for a set list. Promotional skills help to make sure you have an audience. You are responsible for arranging everything you need to perform with the show organizers. Then you are expected to show up, set up and be ready to start on time. Those are the skills we are trying to instill in the young musicians we mentor, because we strongly believe they are the foundation blocks for their future success.”

It takes a lot of commitment and hard work to be an inspiring musician, said Dave Figura, owner of DNF Brass & Woodwind Repair store in Honesdale, PA. “An enormous amount of time goes into learning and perfecting an instrument of one’s choice and finding ways to gain the experience you need in order to expand your musical resume. We want to help young musicians find the opportunities to perform live that they may not necessarily be able to find on their own.”

Figura is an established bass player with local and nationally touring tribute bands, is a member of the Wayne County Creative Arts Council, and is one of the founders of the NEPA Young Musicians program. He offers music lessons for a variety of instruments at his store.

The program recently received a donation of $3,000 from the Fall Music Festival at Dorflinger, an annual festival held at the Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills, PA. “The Fall Music Festival believes that music heals. Much healing is needed in our world right now and we think through music we can accomplish that goal. It makes us so proud to support an organization that helps develop the up-and-coming artists, our musical future and to keep the ‘circle of goodness’ rolling, paving the way to more opportunities in our area,” said Jamie Rutherford, founder of the Fall Music Festival.

In less than a year, the program provided numerous live performing opportunities for their up-and-coming artists. Sammy Antonetti, Emily Nacchio, Callie Gelderman, Marlee Olsson and the group the Sex Monkeys were featured as opening acts during the summer 2022 performances at the Nurnburger Bierhaus outdoor pavilion. The owners of this Lake Ariel, PA restaurant, Linda and Pete, welcomed all the young performers and were happy to provide all the extra support needed to host the events.

When asked what the program means to her, Gelderman said, “The program has not only given me opportunities to perform but it has also given me the confidence to commit to those performances. Knowing that a whole new community is rooting for my success gave me the boost that I needed to improve my skills. It also inspired me to consider minoring in music when I attend college. I am beyond thankful that a program like this was created.”

Callie Gelderman and Sammy Antonetti after their performances at the 2022 Fall Music Festival.

Later that year, Gelderman and Antonetti had the opportunity to perform at the 2022 Fall Music Festival in September. “The ladies wowed everyone with their incredible talent,” said Rutherford. The youngest member of the program, eight-year-old Maddie Frankowiak, delivered a powerful rendition of the National Anthem that had the crowd reeling, according to some of the attendees.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for my child to perform live in front of people, which she would not ordinarily have the chance to do without the young musicians program,” said Maddie’s mom, Michelle Frankowiak. “I believe performing can only help her get more comfortable with an audience in the future. It has already improved her self-confidence in other aspects of her life as well. As the mom of a child who is part of the program, I appreciate that she gets these amazing events, because without this program she would have to wait many years to get such wonderful opportunities to do what she truly loves to do.”

Gelderman, Antonetti and Frankowiak were part of the 2022 Hawley Hoedown and Winterfest music performances organized by Downtown Hawley Partnership (DHP). Antonetti and Marley Olsson were chosen to be featured vocalists at last year’s jazz concert at the Ritz Playhouse. Stephen Faubel, the Ritz Playhouse musical director, music coordinator for the DHP, local music instructor and performer said, “It was a great pleasure working with all the young musicians. They were professional, prepared and sang beautifully. I think it’s a great opportunity for young performers to be in front of a live audience. It’s the best way to learn the ropes of this trade, should they decide to pursue it further in their lives.” The program is in its planning stage for 2023 but has already announced its partnership with the Fall Music Festival and Honesdale’s Creative Compound, a hub featuring eateries and musical events, to facilitate its first Young Musicians Showcase series, starting in February. Every Saturday morning, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., you can visit Creative Compound on Main Street and hear a young musician showcase their talent.

The showcase series is being sponsored by the Fall Music Festival, and the first is set to take place on Saturday, February 4. It will feature Callie Gelderman, a young artist from Hawley. She will be performing some of her favorite covers.

Going forward, the program is planning on offering educational sessions, Q&As, scholarships and, of course, more live performing opportunities. To learn more about the NEPA Young Musicians program and to stay up to date with their future opportunities and happenings, like and follow the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NEPAYoungMusicians.