Upon moving to the Washington, D.C. metro area (“the DMV”) in the summer of 2025, my good friend Stas Venglevski – a musician I’d worked with for years back in Wisconsin – introduced me to fellow accordion players in my new home. I am now a proud member of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS), learning how to play the instrument myself.
I play on accordions passed along to me in memory of Bob Juszczyk, of Alexandria (VA).
You may follow along with my accordion project – affectionately called “AccordiAlly,” here:
AccordiAlly Mission and Vision
AccordiAlly exists to spark curiosity and joy around the accordion by sharing an honest, consistent and creative learning journey. Through approachable education, musical exploration and community-minded storytelling, Allison Smith aims to make the accordion feel modern, accessible and fun – inviting more people to try it, love it and learn along with her.
AccordiAlly envisions a growing community of accordion-curious musicians and music lovers who feel inspired to pick up the instrument, support local accordion culture and celebrate its versatility. As Allison Smith builds her skills, AccordiAlly will become a platform for meaningful performance opportunities, collaborative music-making and a renewed appreciation for the accordion in contemporary life.
