Downeast

MAMM DowneasT

Maine Academy of Modern Music (MAMM) works with schools, educators, musicians, and community partners across Downeast Maine to bring hands-on music education to young people.

From classroom instruction and summer rock camps to after-school bands and live performances, students explore the music they love, develop their skills, and discover the excitement of playing together.

rock camps, real bands, real stages

At our 2026 Rock Camps at Narraguagus High School and Machias Memorial High School, young musicians formed bands, chose their own songs, rehearsed with experienced coaches, and got ready to take the stage.

And they've been busy! Throughout the year, MAMM's young musicians have performed at schools, festivals, and community events, including:

Cherryfield Elementary, Maine Seacoast Mission's EdGE Camp, Narraguagus Junior/Senior High School, the Columbia Falls Smelt Fry, Milbridge Days, The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, and Ghoul of Rock: Black Moon!

The music doesn't stop when camp ends! Student bands Blacktop Saints and The Introverts are continuing to play together, with coaching from Adam Steinberg, MAMM's Downeast Program Coordinator. Through after-school rehearsals and live performances, they're building their skills, finding their sound, and discovering what it means to be in a band.

Adam Steinberg, Downeast Program Coordinator

Adam Steinberg is a critically acclaimed musician, producer, educator, and creative leader whose career spans award-winning artistry, major-label recording, broadcast media, music technology, and progressive education. A Grammy Award Official Participant, RIAA Diamond Award recipient, and three-time Clio Award winner, his recording and production credits are associated with Atlantic, Reprise, Sony, Capricorn, and Capitol Records.

He has performed at premier festivals and venues including Lilith Fair, Newport Folk Festival, The Troubadour, CBGB’s, and Radio City Music Hall, and collaborated with artists such as The Chicks, Sheryl Crow, Patty Griffin, and Natalie Maines. Beyond performance, he served as Faculty and Dean of Students at NuVu Studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and as Senior Soundware Engineer at Kurzweil Music Systems, contributing to instruments used by iconic global artists.

As Downeast Program Coordinator for MAMM, Steinberg brings an exceptional blend of professional accomplishment and educational innovation—ensuring rural Maine students receive access to world-class mentorship and collaborative music experiences.

MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS

At Cherryfield Elementary School, MAMM instructor and local musician Lucy Zwigard brings music into the classroom every week, working with approximately 99 students across seven classes, from Pre-K through eighth grade.

Building on our longstanding relationship with the school, the program gives students regular opportunities to sing, play, create, and learn together.

We're also working with educators throughout Washington County to explore ways MAMM can complement existing school music programs and bring more hands-on musical experiences to students.

We're planning more Rock Camps for summer 2027, continuing to develop our Washington County programs, and exploring collaborations with schools, musicians, and arts organizations in the Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island area.

Our goal is simple: help every student take their next musical step, whatever that looks like for them.