Matty Metcalfe Mentors Apprentices in Accordion Repair
The Virginia musician receives a grant to teach the technical craft of restoring and maintaining accordions.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Medieval and Renaissance
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Accordion player Matty Metcalfe has been awarded a grant from Virginia Humanities to mentor an apprentice in the specialized art of instrument repair. The project aims to preserve the craft by teaching the complex internal maintenance required for these instruments.
Why it matters
The apprenticeship initiative serves to protect the future of accordion music by training a new generation in the technical skills necessary to maintain instruments that have a typical lifespan of 50 years.
A Nashville accordion club expanded from 8 to 200 members over five to six years, while high-quality new instruments cost less than $10,000. These complex musical devices can weigh up to 28 pounds.
The players
Matty Metcalfe
A professional accordionist and former Musical Ambassador at Harvard who is dedicated to preserving the instrument.
Virginia Humanities
A state-based organization that provides funding to support cultural, historical, and artistic programs across Virginia.
The details
Repairing an accordion is a delicate process, as 99.9% of mechanical problems are located inside the instrument's casing. Metcalfe focuses on restoring internal leather components and managing the wax that secures the metal reeds in place.
Timeline
Matty Metcalfe received the Virginia Humanities grant in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This project follows the pattern set by the Virginia Humanities grant programs in supporting the continuation of niche artistic and technical traditions. It reflects a broader movement to revitalize interest in traditional instruments through community-focused training and education.
The grant program ensures that local accordion owners have better access to qualified repair specialists within the state. This initiative helps sustain the availability of playable instruments for musicians interested in the craft.
The takeaway
Maintaining an accordion requires specialized knowledge of internal components like leather and wax to ensure the instrument functions properly for its fifty-year lifespan. Aspiring players should seek out local clubs to find resources for instrument maintenance and community support.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene in Virginia Medieval and Renaissance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WVTF.
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