National Life Group Beats for Good Competition Gives High School Musicians a Shot to Open for Neon Trees, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Smash Mouth and Augustana
National Life Group launched its annual Beats for Good competition for teenage musicians in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the Plattsburgh, NY region.
Now in its fifth year, Beats for Good celebrates young talent and the arts in local high schools. Previous winners include Sixth Avenue Groove (Ashburnham, MA), The Radiance (Montpelier and Plainfield, VT), Ms. Lee Fan Club (South Burlington, VT), and Kingdom All Stars (Montpelier, VT).
“School funding cuts often target the arts first,” said John Mullett, president and CEO of the National Life Group Foundation. “Music programs create an essential third space for students—a place where they can discover who they are, express it with confidence, and share their talent in ways that strengthen both themselves and their communities.”
The Beats for Good grand prize winner receives:
The chance to open the National Life Group Do Good Fest on Saturday, July 11, 2026 on the main stage in front of thousands of festival attendees
Exclusive backstage access to meet musicians from multiplatinum bands Neon Trees, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Smash Mouth, and Augustana
A $5,000 donation to their school’s music program
A $1,500 personal cash prize
The first runner-up will receive a $2,500 donation to their school’s music program; second runner-up will get a $1,000 donation. Both runners-up will also receive complimentary general admission tickets to the show and food vouchers redeemable at more than 25 food vendors on-site.
This contest is open to high school musical acts of all sizes and genres. Submissions will be open through Monday, May 4, 2026. Online entries can be made through DoGoodFest.com/beatsforgood.Once the submission period closes, a panel of local and national music professionals and educators will review the submissions and choose their favorites based on criteria included on the website. Their top ten choices will then be posted on DoGoodFest.com for a public vote. Winners will be announced in early June.