“Collaborative Playing Enhances Engagement and Brings Learning to Life”

Conference Event Leaders. Download music and handouts from the Handout page.

(alphabetically)

Presenter's Information

Viewers may use the links in the table or scroll down to see the information.

Social	Event	Image	Location
Nancy Bernstein	Java Time in the Social Center!		Everywhere!

End-of-Social Table

Groups	Event	Image
Albreski, Dick	NAA Fun Band		Conference Room Two
Kohl, Gordon	Accordion Orchestra		Conference Room Two
Opera-tober-fest	Narrated Polka Party, Dancing, Singing, and Pit Orchestra		Combined Conference Rooms

End-of-Group Session Table

Jams	Event	Image
Abel, Maggie	Off-the-Wall Jam Session (Music displayed)		Room One, Two, or Lobby
Frauenthal Helsing	Whatever Happens Jam Session		Room One, Two, or Lobby
Kasper, Donna	Free Form Jam Session where participants are encouraged to "suggest a tune" for group play.  This session promotes playing by ear and experimenting with fills, chords, and embellishments.		Room One, Two, or Lobby

End-of-Jam Session Table

Activities	Event	Image
Archuleta, Mary K.	Pedagogical Principles of Teaching Accordion		Friday: Room One
Bisciglia, Bob	Improving Performance skills and Presentation		Friday: Room One
Brooke, Lori Beth	20 for 20 Workshop		Thursday: Room One
Casper, Ed	Seventh and Augmented Chords		Saturday: Room One
Custer, Rick	True Confessions		Saturday: Room One
Custer, Linda	Coordinator and Artist		Wednesday: Room One Thursday: Room One Friday: Lobby Saturday: Lobby
Traylor, Mindy C.	Meet, Greet, and Decorate Painting the Music The Note That Faced the Music What is your Zine!		Wednesday: Room One Thursday: Room One Friday: Lobby Saturday: Lobby
Frauenthal, Max	Whatever Happens Jam with Roy		Room One, Two, or Lobby
Froidl, Jerry	True Confessions with Rick		Saturday: Room One
Helsing, Roy	Digital Basics: Language of Sound		Thursday: Room One
Jordan, Tom	Purchasing a Sound System for Your Accordion		Thursday: Room Two
Klugiewicz, Greg	Musical Enhancements		Thursday Room One
Malloy, Darryl	When Sound Becomes Sight		Saturday: Room One
Middleton, Mike	Musical Styles Around the World		Saturday: Room One
Moody, Herschel	Concert Artist		Saturday Evening Concert
Seaton, Sharon	Circles of Excellence		Friday: Room One
Stiuca, Dr. Nicolae	Demonstration Concert and Masterclasses* * A masterclass is a public instructional session in which a distinguished artist coaches individual performers on prepared pieces, offering expert guidance on technique, interpretation, and musicianship while an audience learns by observing the teaching process.		Concert: Thursday -Room Two Masterclass: Friday Room One Masterclass: Saturday Room Two
Valashan, Charles	True Confessions with Rick		Saturday: Room One
Young, Johnny	Therapeutic value of music in medicine: Alzheimer's etc.		Friday: Room One

End-of-Event Table

Participative Workshop Titles, Descriptions, and Bio

Maggie Abel

2026 Training Activity: Off-the-Wall Jam Sessions

Description: Jam sessions with music displayed on the wall)

Maggie Abel's Biographical Background

Maggie Abel, based in Oklahoma City, is a longtime member of the Oklahoma Accordion Club, where she has served as president for seven years and continues to produce its newsletter. The daughter of an instructor from the original Dale Carnegie program, Maggie is a passionate multi-instrumentalist with a love for accordions, the musical saw, harmonica, and theremin. She hosts technology-assisted jam sessions—24 annually in her own living room and approximately 100 times each year at the Will Rogers Senior Center.

Back to Top

Richard (Dick) Albreski

2026 Training Activity: NAA Famous Fun Band

Join the NAA FUN BAND, led by Dick Albreski, for a joyful and inclusive musical experience at the 2026 convention! This band brings together accordionists of all skill levels to play for fun and entertain others. Participants will enjoy this organized jam sessions, multiple rehearsals, and a final concert performance on Saturday evening. The music is upbeat, familiar, and tailored to your level of experience. You're encouraged to practice ahead of the convention, then rehearse and perform with fellow musicians in a supportive, high-energy environment. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, the NAA FUN BAND is your chance to shine, connect, and celebrate the joy of accordion music!

Dick Albreski Biographical Background:

Dick Albreski Declares:
"The accordion has kept me young and vibrant. For decades, it’s been my companion—helping me collaborate with others, bring joy through entertainment, and serve my community. My curiosity led me to learn how to repair accordions and keep them playing. The challenges inspired me to compose and arrange music tailored for this unique instrument. Simply put, the accordion holds a special place next to my heart."

Back to Top

Mary K. Archuleta

2026 Training Activity: Pedagogical Principles of Teaching Accordion Education-related Biographical Background:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Music Education: University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Denver: Advanced Accordion Performance
Post-graduate hours in music theory and composition, and child development: UTSA

Mary Kathryn Archuleta is uniquely qualified as a teacher of piano/keyboard and accordion to individuals with all types of special needs, including both those who are intellectually and developmentally delayed as well as many who are gifted and talented. With 36 years of professional experience before she became the parent of an adult child with multiple disabilities a unique perspective of understanding and the insight to provide solutions for teachers, students, and families whose goals are to bring the joy of creating and performing music to anyone with special needs.

Her broad range of experience in both classroom and private instructional settings during her 60+ year long career, coupled with an unparalleled passion to serve others is the heart of her presentations at the Texas Music Educators Convention, the Texas Music Teachers State Convention [2008 - 2009], the Texas Music Educators’ Conference for the SW Division of MENC, the MTNA (Music Teachers’ National Association), the American Accordionists Association [2009-2014] and the World of Accordions Museum in 2022. Her expertise in the integration of elements of Applied Behavior Analysis in the teaching of students facing the challenges of Autism makes her a highly sought-after clinician.

As the CEO of DREAMS FULFILLED THROUGH MUSIC, she leads Professional Development Seminars, Workshops for Music and Special Education Teachers, administrators, area Colleges, and Specialized Presentations for Parents and Professionals serving the disability community.

Back to Top

Nancy Bernstein

2026 Training Activity: Java Center Coordinator

2026 Conference Duties: Nancy Bernstein

Hint to understanding Nancy's personality:

A meaningful insight into Nancy’s personality comes from her years of service in a pediatric burn center, an experience that shaped her extraordinary compassion, calm under pressure, and instinctive care for others.

Nancy Bernstein is the cheerful spark that keeps the conference lively and running smoothly. A multi‑instrument musician, retired nurse, and National Accordion Association Board Member, she blends hospitality, humor, and quick problem‑solving into one unforgettable presence. She greets everyone with warmth, keeps conversations flowing, and is instantly recognizable by her famously crazy hat. Whether she’s running the Java Shop, guiding lost attendees, or offering a quick bandage to anyone who pinches a finger in the bellows, Nancy brings fun, calm, and community to every moment. Her joy in reconnecting with musical friends nationwide makes her an essential part of the conference spirit.
If needed, Nancy will have a peanutbutter sandwich in her purse.

Nancy's Biographical Background:

Nancy Bernstein is the kind of musician who can walk into a room with an accordion and instantly raise everyone’s serotonin levels. A multi‑instrument marvel and proud Board Member of the National Accordion Association, she brings equal parts talent, mischief, and musical magic to every gathering.

Before dedicating more time to her musical adventures, Nancy spent her career as a nurse, where her compassion and quick wit made even the toughest days a little brighter. Now she channels that same energy into the accordion world — cheering on fellow players, swapping stories, and laughing her way through rehearsals, festivals, and late‑night jam sessions.

Nancy is known nationwide for her fun‑loving attitude and her gift for keeping musical friendships alive across time zones. Whether she’s squeezing out a lively polka, picking up one of her other instruments, or sending a cheerful message to a friend hundreds of miles away, Nancy brings joy wherever she goes.

Back to Top

Bob Bisciglia

2026 Training Activity: Improving Performance skills and Presentation

The largest room in any home is the room for improvement! statement by Dr. Norman Seaton.
Bob Bisciglia is prepared to help you help yourself.

Bob's Biographical Background:

Meet Bob Bisciglia Accordionist • Performer • Educator:
Bob Bisciglia picked up the accordion at age 7—and hasn’t put it down since. Over the years, he’s earned three (3) national titles and seven (7) state championships, proudly representing Ohio in the Coupe Mondiale (World Cup of Accordion) national eliminations for four (4) consecutive years.

His performance career spans variety shows and concerts across the U.S., showcasing a dynamic range of styles from jazz and classical to folk music.

Bob is an active member of the National Accordion Association, the Central Texas Accordion Association, and the Austin Polka Band. Passionate about sharing his craft, he loves demonstrating and promoting the accordion, especially to young musicians eager to explore its expressive potential.

Back to Top

Lori Beth Brooke

2026 Training Activity: 20 for 20 Workshop

The information provided by Lori Beth Brooke in the “20 for 20 Program - Stretching and Strengthening for the Accordionist” written materials including the full booklet, workshop materials and live workshop is for general informational purposes only. All information in the written materials and live workshop is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information in the written materials or live workshop.

PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER
The written materials and live workshop do not contain fitness or medical advice. The exercise information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice and/or diagnosis. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate medical and/or professionals. We do not provide any kind of fitness or medical advice or diagnosis. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN MATERIALS OR LIVE WORKSHOP IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Back to Top

Dr. Ed Casper

2026 Training Activity: Seventh and Augmented Chords

Ed’s upcoming session, Options and Opportunities with Seventh and Augmented Chords, is positioned as one of the standout learning experiences of the program. It showcases how these expressive chord colors can expand a player’s musical vocabulary, unlock richer harmonies, and open creative pathways for both improvisation and arrangement.

What makes this session compelling?
* A clear promise of transformation — participants move beyond basic chord structures into the expressive world of sevenths and augmented harmonies.
* Hands-on musical exploration — Ed demonstrates how these chords function in real musical settings, giving players immediate, usable techniques.
* A bridge between theory and artistry — the session highlights not just what these chords are, but how they create mood, tension, and stylistic flair.

Norman notes that to fully appreciate the depth of Ed’s teaching, participants should review his handout materials (Handout Link). The handout serves as a roadmap, previewing the concepts, examples, and exercises that will anchor the session. It helps attendees arrive prepared, engaged, and ready to get the most out of the experience.

Ed's Biographical Background:

Ed Casper has been playing accordion since about age seven, taking lessons through about age 14. Separate from the accordion, Ed has earned a BS in Chemistry from M.I.T., and an MA in Chemistry and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Columbia University. He is currently Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at Lifeplus International in Batesville, Arkansas.

Ed’s musical background includes extensive popular and classical choral works at M.I.T. (including the M.I.T. Logarithms, where he was President, and oversaw the production of the “The Logarithms of M.I.T.” recording, along with the participating with the M.I.T. Choral Society European Tour of England, France, and Germany), and with the St. Paul’s Chapel Choir at Columbia, as well as classical choral groups such as Chorus Pro Musica in Boston MA and the Pittsburgh Oratorio Society in PIttsburgh PA.

On the accordion, he played his arrangement of “Midnight in Moscow” at the 1975 Seymour Bicentennial Arts and Crafts and International Variety Show in Seymour, Connecticut – where, on the same program, Mary Tokarsky played “Tea for Two” on her accordion. Through the years, Ed has had numerous volunteer appearances at Assisted Living and Nursing Home facilities in the Batesville area. He's been “Fair Idol” at the Independence County Fair (Batesville, Arkansas), and performs frequently at local and regional events, including the Bean Fest (Mountain View, Arkansas), the annual Batesville Artoberfest (Batesville, Arkansas), the Delta Arts and Music Festival (Newport, Arkansas), and the annual Independence County Museum Christmas Family Day (Batesville). He has played the National Anthem for the Arkansas Travelers baseball team annually for the last several years, along with several Oktoberfests in Arkansas. Ed gave a BASS WORKSHOP at the 2018 National Accordion Convention.

Back to Top

Richard (Rick) Custer

2026 Training Activity: True Confessions

How to prosper as a performing recreational accordionist with relatively little formal training. Tricks I have learned, mistakes I have made, my hundreds of teachers along my musical journey.

Rick Custer Biographical Background:

Rick has spent an entire career in Logistics and Transportation related activities. His BSBA from Akron University in Finance and his MBA from Syracuse University in Law and Public Policy have qualified his appointments as negotiator and author of transportation contracts, project management, logistics research, interface with the Interstate Commerce Commission, the U.S. Department of Transportation – Hazardous Materials division, and other state government organizations. His familiarity with law and regulations qualified him to publish an entire textbook chapter, and direct the corporate hazardous materials transportation training and compliance effort for Corning Incorporated.

Back to Top

Linda Custer

2026 Training Activity: Small Talk Coordinator

Linda will be helping in several capacities to keep the conference running smoothly including working with her husband Rick, daughter Mindy C. Traylor (artist and presenter), and NAA Board Member Nancy Bernstein.

Linda Custer Biographical Background:

Linda writes: I love all art in many different medias. As a young adult I taught art and crafts to Girl Scouts, VBS in church, and more. I attended the Pittsburgh Art Institute in Pennsylvania for 2 years earning my Associate degree. In New York I was hired by Corning Glass Works as a Graphic Designer and Finisher in their Art Department. During the 18 years I worked there I designed at least 16 original dinnerware patterns and accessories that went to market worldwide.

Retired now, we moved to Arkansas where I am an active member of the Hot Springs Camera Club and have won numerous awards for my photography and fine arts. I also love making jewelry and go to Craft shows to display and sell my work.

Back to Top

Mindy Custer-Traylor

2026 Training Activity: Four workshops

#1. Wednesday Art Workshop 7pm “Meet, Greet, and Decorate!”

Stop by my come-and-go table station for a fun meet and greet and choose your favorite art materials to decorate your conference name badge, folder cover, bookmark, or notebook cover!



#2. Thursday Art Workshop 9am “Painting the Music”

Music communicates feelings and harmonizes together with visual art. Come and learn how music translates auditory emotions into visual forms through an interactive workshop using your drawing and coloring skills!



#3. Saturday Art Workshop 10:15am “The Note Who Faced the Music”

Self-expression shares the importance of how we move, feel, share ideas, perform so others see what’s inside us. The ARTS connect us with others! Come learn how a half note learns that all notes are key players in the book “The Note Who Faced the Music” by Lindsey Bonilla and create your own music note collage or keychain!



#4. Saturday Art Workshop 11:15am “What’s Your Zine?”

Art is an ongoing process of discovery. It’s an exchange of ideas, a reflection of the people who engage with it. Come learn how to create a mini booklet called a Zine that you can later print copies of and share with your friends!

Mindy Traylor Biographical Background:

Mindy writes: I am very passionate about anything art related. I earned my Bachelor of Arts (BA) Education degree from Union University, and my Masters of Art Education Degree (Magna Cum Laude) from the Memphis College of Art. My inspiration for many of my art pieces and musical talents comes from childhood memories of my parents. I watched my mom drawing and designing art for her job and listening to my dad playing the accordion. My love for music progressed into me taking 10 years of piano lessons.

I later taught several years of piano to young children, and I have been a church pianist in my church the past 20+ years. I currently use my artistic talents as an elementary art teacher for the Memphis Shelby County school system where I have been teaching young students for almost 30 years. I have presented several art workshops to other art teachers, church and community friends, and my “sisters” in the ADK Educator Sorority in which I am currently the president-elect for my local chapter. (ADK refers to Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators.)

When I am not teaching art, I enjoy drawing, painting, crafting handmade books, making wire and beading jewelry pieces, building mini house models, and wood-burning a variety of wooden trays, bowls, and utensils. “Music and art are the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” Pablo Casals

Pablo Casals (born Pau Casals i Defilló, 1876–1973) stands as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He reshaped how the world understands the cello, elevated Bach’s Cello Suites into the modern repertoire, and became a global voice for peace and democracy.

Back to Top

Frauenthal and Helsing

2026 Training Activity: New Exciting and Satisfying Jamming!

Max and his tuba have been the driving force behind the successful evening jam sessions for many years.

Visit Max and Roy's Personal Biographical Backgrounds: Back to Top

Frauenthal, Max

2026 Training Activity: New Exciting and Satisfying Jamming!

Max and his tuba have been the driving force behind the successful evening jam sessions for many years. For 2026, Max, Roy, and Rick Custer (2026 Convention Chair) are providing the music in advance (view the handout page).

Max's Biographical Background:

Max has served the Little Rock, AR area with concerts in many venues including National Anthem opening at the ballpark, senior living facilities, ethnic festivals, and is active in encouraging accordion enthusiasts of all skill levels. In a previous life, Max graduated from University of Arkansas with a degree and certification as Registered Professional Chemical Engineer.

Back to Top

Froidl, Jerry

2026 Training Activity: True Confessions with Rick Custer

Jerry's Biographical Background:

Jerry starting playing the accordion at age 8 when a salesman for the local music store knocked on the door looking for students! He took lessons through high school playing in many recitals, performances and competitions including as part of an accordion band. After a 4-decade break, he's excited to be promoting and sharing the craft by finding opportunities to play in churches, jam sessions, open mics, and just from the back of his Studebaker Wagonaire! Contrary to all the jokes, people love hearing--and watching--the accordion and the relationships he's made with other accordionists through the NAA have been extremely encouraging and invaluable to those efforts.

Back to Top

Helsing, Roy

2026 Training Activity: Programming Basics for Digital Accordions

Programming Basics for Digital Accordions – Understanding the Language of Sound Design

Roy's basic documentation
This session is designed for accordionists who want to demystify the world of digital sound programming — without diving into the specifics of any one brand. Drawing on over a decade of experience programming sounds into Concerto, Roland, and Korg digital accordions, I’ll explain what terms like attack, delay, release, sustain, pan, and more really mean, and how they shape the voices you play. We’ll discuss how to think about combining voices effectively and how your programming choices should influence your playing style. This is not a deep-dive into button-by-button instructions for a particular model (though I’m happy to meet separately with anyone who wants that level of detail). And just to be clear — I am not Richard Noel, Joseph Natoli, or Gordon Kohl — either musically or in my programming approach — but this session will give you a solid foundation to make sense of your own instrument’s capabilities.

Roy's Biographical Background: https://royhelsingaccordionist.com/home

Roy is a retired Army Officer and Business Owner. I played and studied piano for many years from kindergarten through high school - but always wanted to be playing an accordion. In my thirties I took accordion lessons for a few years but military service interrupted that training. Later in life I was stationed in San Francisco and tried again to take some lessons, but that got interrupted when I retired and started a business. The accordion (and the piano) sat untouched for 27 years. When I semiretired a few years ago,I was finally able to get active studying and playing the accordion again. I am interested in jamming because I live in a very isolated area and rarely get the opportunity to play with others. Those sessions are most enjoyable for me when there is music available because trying to just join in by ear is not my skill set.

Back to Top

Tom Jordan

2026 Training Activity: Purchasing a Sound System for Your Accordion
Back to Top

Donna Kasper

Focus: "playing by ear"

Donna Kasper Biographical Background:

Donna is recently the new president of the San Diego Accordion Club. She took up the accordion after retiring from the United States Navy a few years ago. A native Texas from a 3rd generation Czech family, she grew up on polkas and waltzes and learned the words and melodies to a zillion Czech tunes. She’s always humming and singing to herself all the day long. Donna says she's quite reluctant to play her accordion solo, but loves to fold into a small or large group and play by ear.

Back to Top

Greg Klugiewicz

2026 Training Activity:

Greg's 2026 workshop is intended to be a small size class for beginner-to-intermediate players. It requires 100% participation, so bring your accordion. The session will be conducted in a circle-type seating configuration with a “follow the leader” mimic style.



Embellishment techniques will include:

Grace notes, Roll ups, Bellows shakes, Triplets, Walking Bass, Thumb Walk-downs, etc.

Greg's Biographical Background:

Greg is an accordionist based in Garland, Texas. He is often seen as a soloist for events, home parties, and restaurants, but he also performs with his 3-piece group “The Bavarian Brothers.” He has entertained at other regional venues including The Toyota Music Factory stage in Irving, Texas, and various other commercial celebrations/grand openings including HEB Stores, Fiesta Stores, Park Place Motors, The Star in Frisco, and Northwood Country Club.

Greg has been performing at the McKinney Oktoberfest for 12 years.

Greg is the President of the Dallas Accordion Association.
He teaches accordion to a limited clientele in his home studio.

Back to Top

Gordon Kohl

2026 Training Event: Accordion Orchestra

Gordon Kohl has defined, arranged the music, and will direct the 2026 Accordion Orchestra, featuring the blended sounds of multiple instruments. View the "handout and music page" for full information.

Gordon Kohl Biographical Background:

Gordon has been teaching music since high school. He has been teaching accordion, piano, keyboard, music theory, music arranging, and workshops on a variety of music study topics. He especially enjoys teaching in the topics of chord usage and electronic voicing for the digital accordion. He also has a passion for being a musician.

At the age of thirteen, he began playing the accordion professionally. From his high school years to the present, he has enjoyed gigging in a combo. Teaching music and being a musician has been his passion and journey. Gordon continues to write music arrangements, new compositions, and educational materials for individual and group instruction. He chose as a teen to develop his sounds using both the acoustic and digital musical instruments along with the accordion. He really has a passion for expression and dynamics on the reed accordion. Note from Norman: Gordon has been a popular instructor and performer for the National Accordion Association since 1990!

Back to Top

Darryl Malloy

2026 Training Activity:
When Sound Becomes Sight

For the National Accordion Association Conference and Forney Arts Council Art Show, Darryl leads a presentation and guided gallery experience examining how rhythm, harmony, and improvisation in music inspire visual expression. Through conversation and observation, he invites attendees to experience art as a living dialogue between sound and sight where creativity becomes a shared language and community comes alive.

Darryl Malloy Biographical Background

Darryl Malloy is an Art Consultant, Curator, and Creative Strategist with Renaissance Art Collective, where he specializes in connecting artists, collectors, and communities through thoughtfully curated exhibitions and educational programming. With a background that bridges visual arts, storytelling, and cultural engagement, Darryl is known for creating experiences that invite audiences to see, feel, and think differently about art. A passionate art lover and collector for over 30 years, Darryl will readily admit that he has rarely encountered an art gallery or museum he could pass without stopping; a curiosity that continues to shape his eye, his counsel, and his commitment to lifelong learning in the arts. His curative work often explores the intersection of art with other disciplines; including music, faith, history, and place, helping audiences discover deeper meaning and connection beyond the canvas. As a presenter for the Spellman Museum of Forney History and the Forney Arts Council, Darryl brings an approachable, insightful perspective that makes art accessible to seasoned collectors and first-time viewers alike.

Contact Information:
Darryl Malloy, ART Broker, Renaissance ART Collective
RenaissanceARTCollective@gmail.com Phone: (469)649-6274

Back to Top

Mike Middleton

2026 Training Activity: Musical styles around the world

Mike will highlight how to enhance your acoustic accordion using MIDI sounds. He will include in his presentation examples like the Texas Folk Medley, his popular Amazing Grade accordion variations, and other musical selections.

Mike Middleton: Biographical Background

Dr. Mike Middleton, an award-winning Texan accordionist, and will be interacting in various convention activities that include Midi enhanced Accordion music and other accordion favorites from his recent albums and from his participation at the World Accordion Museum, where he serves as a Board Member. He also leads a popular band, “Mike and The Middletones.”

Dr. Mike's music is unique in that he utilizes Midi to enhance and modify his acoustic accordion sound. Selections could include various Texas folk music pieces such as Ghost Riders in The Sky, Red River Valley, Yellow Rose of Texas, Waltz Across Texas, San Antonio Rose, and others featured with the 2017 Temple Symphony (Temple, Texas), as well as his unique Amazing Grace Accordion Variations. Mike is always ready to provide 30 minutes or one hour of polka/waltzes and Texas folk music suitable for dancing.

Herschel Moody: Concert Artist

Biographical Background

Herschel graduated from University of Houston with a BA in Music (Accordion Performance), studying under Willard Palmer. His early playing career was full of German ump-pa-pa, transitioning to standards and later Italian and Latin music. Herschel is currently retired from full time playing but enjoys lots of pickin’ with the local Last Minute Pickers based in Frankston, TX and is playing in local retirement homes.

Back to Top

OperatoberFest Written by Max

Uniquely-created Biographical Background

This Operatoberfest is a true National Accordion Association original — proudly conceived in Arkansas by the legendary Max Frauenthal, creatively written by the equally legendary Lisa Vargo. It was then hauled across state lines to Texas by Rick Custer (who bravely made the trip all the way from Pennsylvania). The evening will be narrated by the incomparable Mindy Custer‑Traylor, supported by a conference‑recruited Operatic Pit Band that’s ready to squeeze, sing, and soar. And the best part? Our attendees and visitors will be singing, dancing, and generally having the kind of fun that makes the fire marshal nervous.

Back to Top

Dr. Sharon Seaton

2026 Training Activity: Circles of Excellence

Calling All Accordionists!
Join one of our most beloved annual workshops—an intimate, hands-on session designed for accordion players of all levels who want to polish their current pieces in a supportive, small-group setting. With only 8 spots available, this exclusive gathering offers a rare chance to receive personalized feedback and share your music with fellow musicians who are just as passionate (and just as nervous!) as you are.
No spectators—just players, progress, and plenty of encouragement.


Sessions fill fast—secure yours and bring your music to life!

Upon request, multiple sessions may be scheduled to accommodate demand.

Sharon Seaton Biographical Background

Accordion Teacher:

Sharon became fascinated with the accordion after receiving Bachelor’s and master's degrees in music education. It was a natural transition for her to learn the piano keyboard accordion. She studied accordion at the Trick Bros. School of Music in Dallas, and she soon learned that accordionists were in demand at ethnic functions such as German, Italian, and French. She began specializing in private parties, festivals, and corporate events with her accordion.

Professional Organization:

Sharon was a co-founder of the National Accordion Association and has been a member of the Board of Directors since the NAA's inception in 1986. She teaches workshops at the association's annual conventions, which attract accordionists and accordion enthusiasts nationwide and from several foreign countries.

She has taught piano and other music courses at Dallas College. She also holds a doctoral degree in higher education (Ed.D.) and currently teaches computer science at Dallas College.

Back to Top

Dr. Nicoale Stiuca

2026 Training Session: Nicoale Stiuca presents Nicoale Stiuca

Following our tradition for highly profile attendies, Nicoale Stiuca will be assigned a 1.25 hour time period to showcase his performance and to explain his steps in reaching his accomplishments.

Biographical Background

Nicolae writes: I have had the privilege of participating in numerous concerts, festivals, masterclasses, projects, and ensembles, among others. Through these experiences, I have cultivated valuable skills such as effective collaboration, communication, information exchange, adaptability, creativity, and event organization. Moreover, I have developed the ability to approach a particular matter from various perspectives, tackle numerous challenges within the realm of music, and thrive in high-pressure situations. I am a diligent individual who is passionate about personal growth and professional development. Thanks to my family background (both of my parents being accomplished accordion teachers), I have developed a genuine fondness for teaching and have gained extensive experience in that field. Consequently, I am adept at addressing potential student issues and develop their talents.

Languages: Romanian (native language), Russian (native language), English (fluent), Dutch (beginner)

Concerts and Festivals In my musical life I have performed with success in more than 250 concerts and festivals on the best stages of many different countries like: The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Czech, Romania, Moldova etc.

Studies: 2021–2024 – Doctorate studies at National University of Arts “George Enescu” – Iasi (Romania)
2019-2021 – Master studies at “Conservatorium van Amsterdam” – Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
2015-2019 – Bachelor studies at “Conservatorium van Amsterdam” – Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
2011-2015 – Republican High-School of Music “Ciprian Porumbescu” - Chişinău (Moldova)
2004-2011 – Art School „Alexei Stircea” - Chişinău (Moldova)
2003-2011 – Theoretical High-School with an Artistic profile “Elena Alistar” - Chişinău (Moldova)

Back to Top

Charles Valashan

2026 Training Session:

True Confessions with Rick

Biographical Background

Charles Valashan is a North Texas accordionist known for his expressive, lyrical playing and his dedication to the regional accordion community. A frequent performer at area clubs and events, Chuck brings warmth and musicality to every stage, with a repertoire that ranges from film music to contemporary favorites. He also served in a leadership role with the Northern California Accordion Society, supporting performances, education, and community engagement throughout the region.

Back to Top

Dr. Johnny Young

2026 Training Session: Therapeutic value of music in medicine: Alzheimer's etc.

The Importance of Music in Health and Education
Music is one of the oldest medicines. The accordion is the ideal instrument with its portability and versatility to be used in therapeutic realms. We will look at the various uses of music today in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, and stroke. I will share some powerful videos of how music has been used to treat diseases. Music is essential in student’s lives for them to learn and thrive. I will show scientific evidence that supports its benefits. For the aging accordionist, I will go through an “accordion workout” that helps maintain our strength and balance.

Biographical Background

Johnny Young – Co-founder and President. Johnny grew up in Epping, a town of 100 people in western North Dakota, whose main street today is still not paved. His mother ran a café that seated up to 13 people. He took accordion lessons starting at age eight and, by age 10, had played as a soloist with the Epping High School band and won a local talent show. He did take a year of piano lessons from his cousin, Bernie. He learned to read sheet music and even played dinner music one summer at a country club in suburban Chicago. Once a guest came up as he was playing, and asked if he could play “A Summer Place.” He embarrassingly said, “I am playing it!” He put the accordion aside for 55 years, rarely taking it out of its case, except to play a polka for his relatives.

During those years, he pursued a medical career and earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate in medicine. Dr. Young’s long and distinguished medical career in Bakersfield, California, contained numerous notable events. He went on many short-term medical missions to Guatemala under the auspices of Helps International.

Johnny recently retired from his medical practice and has dedicated the next phase of his life to creating the Happy Music Center. Although Johnny practiced medicine as a family physician, he believes that true wellness requires a healthy body, mind, soul, and emotions–“A Cheerful heart is a good medicine,” and “The heart at peace gives life to the body.” His goal is to put "a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and a skip in your step” with a genre of Happy Music.

Back to Top