Learn to play the accordion for beginners - this might interest you
Are you currently thinking about playing the accordion? But you still have a few questions about this - admittedly somewhat unusual - instrument? You're not alone. That's why we've answered the most important questions about learning to play the accordion for you.
What kind of instrument is the accordion?
The accordion has a reputation as a funfair, street instrument, and sometimes even folk music. Quite wrongly, because this instrument, also known as the accordion or boat piano, is a so-called hand-pulled instrument. This means that the sound is produced by pulling or pressing on a bellows. This pull or pressure moves free-swinging, resonating reeds, which then produce individual notes or mechanically preset chords. The accordion is therefore an unusual instrument in all respects - neither a wind nor a string instrument. Instead, it is an aerophone with an angled keyboard on the right-hand side, i.e. the treble section. On the left side is the bass section with the registers, which we will come back to later.
What types of accordions are there?
There are two-tone accordions (here single and multi-row) and single-tone accordions (here button accordion and piano accordion). These types are further subdivided into different, often regionally characterized instruments.
What parts does the accordion consist of?
Bellows: This component produces the accordion's typical sound and is located between the right and left manuals. It is made of fabric and cardboard with leather and metal and generates the pressure or vacuum - the air is then passed over the reeds and the vibrations produce the sound. One of the main functions of the bellows is to control the volume of a note. You should know that, unlike on a piano, the keys are not velocity-sensitive. This means that pressing the keys harder or lighter does not produce a different volume. This in turn happens through the intensity of the pressure and pull. By changing the bellows, i.e. changing the direction from push to pull, you also have the option of playing different articulations. You can think of it like a string instrument, where the main articulation is achieved by changing the bow. You can also use the bellows to repeat a note without having to press the key again. This change of bellows is also a characteristic playing technique.
Tuning pins: They are the main part of the accordion's inner workings and are usually made of wood. Explaining the technology used to produce the sound with the soundposts would go too far at this point. You can remember that they have a strong influence on the sound of the accordion.
Reedplates and valves: These are also an essential part of the accordion. The quality of the reed plates has a significant influence on the sound quality when it comes to volume, dynamics, timbre, and tone. Machine-made reed plates are used in many instruments. As a rule, this is perfectly adequate. Particularly high-quality concert accordions use hand-made reed plates.
Register: The registers are located opposite the keys on the treble side. Here you have the option of switching on different timbres. Only very simple instruments do not use registers.
Body: It encloses all the components and forms the mechanical basis for the built-in parts. The sound of the accordion is only marginally affected by the design of the body. The material used makes a small contribution to the sound quality. Above all, the material used must be both stable and light. In the past, spruce wood was often used in the solid wood version, but in the meantime, multi-layered wood has found its way into accordion construction. This has given the accordion excellent acoustic results. There are custom-made instruments with a Plexiglas body, which also sounds satisfactory but is about twice as heavy as plywood. The sound of plastic bodies is significantly reduced.
What are the benefits of playing the accordion?
The accordion is an unusual instrument and it can very easily become your favorite pastime. There are good reasons for this:
Learn something new: if you choose the accordion, you are showing courage. Many people play the piano, guitar or drums, but the accordion is still an exotic instrument.
Coordination: The interplay between the right and left hand clearly improves your movement sequences. The right hand is responsible for the melody, while the left hand contributes the bass.
Relaxation: Making music can relieve stress and the accordion offers you a lot of freedom in this respect. You can use it for folk music, classical music, rock and pop as well as well-known folk music.
Does the accordion come in different sizes?
Yes, there are four main sizes of accordion:
S: With 48 bass buttons, you can play all the main keys here.
M: The 72 bass buttons represent the complete circle of fifths.
L: 96 bass buttons also take you to distant keys.
XL: With 120 bass buttons, you can play anything you can think of.
Should I play the accordion sitting down or standing up?
You can play small instruments or short passages standing up. However, as soon as you have a larger instrument and/or a demanding piece, you should sit down. For your playing comfort, you should make sure that the back straps are well-adjusted. You should pay particular attention to ensuring that they are not too loose. This would make it difficult to play the accordion safely.
What is the small button near the bass buttons for?
There is a small single button near the bass buttons. This is the so-called air button. It opens a valve without making a sound. But why would you want to press a button and not produce a sound? This can happen if you want to open or close the bellows without wanting to play. Think of the end of a piece, for example. If you then stop with the bellows open, you don't want to produce an additional note in a concert to close the instrument. On the other hand, you should also not transport the instrument with the bellows open, because if the bellows are damaged, the instrument will be badly damaged and in the worst case even unusable.
My child would like to learn to play the accordion - I'm worried that he might still be too young. At what age can they learn to play the accordion?
Everyone says that children should be introduced to music at an early age. However, the accordion has a lower age limit of 6 to 7 years. It is true that you will initially give your child a small accordion, usually an S model with 48 basses. But it still needs some strength to be able to play the instrument safely.
I myself have been dreaming of learning to play the accordion for a very long time. Am I perhaps already too old for it?
We can't emphasize this often enough: You're never too old to learn a new instrument. This also applies to the accordion. On the contrary - the accordion is a very sociable instrument and this is very interesting for adults.
Is it difficult to learn the accordion?
It may be a little challenging, but with a little practice you will soon be able to produce beautiful sounds with the accordion. Most players are ready for concerts after 3-4 years of practice. That sounds like a long time, but then you will really be able to play with others. It is important that you practise as regularly as possible. Aim for short practice sessions every day. Then you will develop muscles in the right places without having to exert yourself too much.
Do I always have to use the accordion as a soloist?
No. There are great compositions in which the accordion gives an orchestra the right sound. This applies to both popular music and classical compositions. Pure accordion groups are also possible.
Should I buy an instrument straight away?
That is not necessary. There are good services where you can rent instruments. It's best to ask your teacher for advice. They know good providers that you can trust and who also offer good deals. This way, you don't have to decide on your own instrument straight away, but you can gain some initial experience with the instrument.
How much does an accordion cost?
As with most instruments, there are different price ranges. A high-quality accordion for professionals and advanced players can cost CHF 5,000 or more. For beginners, we recommend models between CHF 350 and 500. This will give you a good sound. Some rental services also offer the option of installment plan. You rent the accordion for a period of time and can then buy it at some point, with part of the rent paid being offset against the purchase price.
I am still unsure whether I should really play the accordion. Can I have trial lessons?
We have decided to offer small lesson packages. This gives you a manageable number of learning units in which you can get a good idea of the lessons and also develop a feel for the teacher.
Can I teach myself to play the accordion?
There are great videos, even on free platforms, that can make it easier for you to learn to play the accordion. However, if you really want to learn how to play the accordion, we recommend a qualified teacher. They can give you valuable tips and intervene directly if you make mistakes. This will help you get used to the right playing technique straight away and make much faster progress. Why not arrange a few lessons right away?
Do you have any more questions?
If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We will be happy to advise you and answer your questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
