Over 75 Year Tradition of Family

Dr. and Mrs. Paul E. Wiggin chartered the New England Music Camp in 1937 as a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the cultivation and refinement of musical skills in young people. Central to their philosophy is the support and development of the physical, emotional, and social well-being of young musicians.

The tradition of family extends to the generations of alumni who return each summer and send their children and grandchildren to experience the magical summers growing up on Lake Messalonskee. NEMC has always cultivated an environment of family with an emphasis of teaching the “whole person”. Counselors are trained to support campers socially and emotionally as they navigate their morning studies and hold primary roles in afternoon recreation and evening social activities. A resident faculty of professional musicians, selected for their strength as college professors, performers, and teachers, live and dine family style with the full camp family as well as coach in small ensembles and perform in the larger ensemble concerts.

Three Generations of Wiggin Family Leadership

NEMC has enjoyed the leadership of three generations of the Wiggin family. After 40 years under the direction of Davis E. Wiggin and Dr. Jeanette Wiggin, the baton was handed down to John and Kim Wiggin, who continue to preserve the philosophy established over 75 years ago.