Some individuals face the thrill of learning a new wind instrument. If that’s the case, the accordion is enjoyable.
But is trying to pick up the accordion just as challenging as some individuals make it seem? Using the guidelines below, let’s find out!
Is Accordion Hard to Learn?
The accordion is a box-shaped instrument that is easy to learn for some individuals. Still, it takes a good hand and hand-eye coordination to play. In addition, you’ll need some practice to keep up with the speed you have to move around the keyboard.
It’s true—learning to play the accordion can be tricky. Here are nine things to consider!
1. Box-Shaped Instrument
Accordions are a group of bellows-driven free-reed aerophones that exhibit a box-like shape frequently known as squeezeboxes.
Accordions come in two varieties:
- Button Accordions
- Piano Accordions
However, the kind of accordion you need to purchase depends on the following:
- A genre of music you want to play
- Individual preferences
- Prior musical knowledge
When someone asks questions about the approximate length of time it could take to master the accordion, there is no clear answer.
Everything is contingent on the student. The only factor that matters is the quantity of time and energy you put in.
2. Not Difficult to Learn
Learning the accordion is relatively easy.
It could look challenging to move the bellows, including both hands, while independently pressing buttons and keyboards with each hand. There are buttons on the left side and keys on the right.
However, the button accordion is typically more straightforward to learn than piano accordions after you become used to the buttons.
Overall, it will require some practice and patience to become confident in practicing the accordion. Still, soon you will be capable of enjoying playing it.
3. Hand Coordination
Your path with the accordion begins with hand independence or coordination.
You’ll focus on your hand motions when practicing the accordion. This requires omitting the lyrics, music, and keys from your activities.
Step 1. Removing the accordion entirely.
Step 2. Identify the problem area.
Step 3. Tap the right hand while introducing the proper left hand.
Step 4. Tap the left hand while introducing the proper right hand.
Step 5. Only perform one segment.
Finally, make a movement shorter and more straightforward if it is complicated. Then, you will be capable of practicing comfortably.
4. Get to Know Your Accordion
First, have the correct accordion for studying this instrument. Then become familiar with the instrument’s structure.
As you can see, the different components of your accordion are all essential to the instrument’s tones.
- Melody Keys
- Bellows
- Register Switches
- Air Valve
- Right-Hand Strap
Second, while holding your accordion, either sit down or stand. Don’t slouch, and keep up a constant pace of practice.
In terms of pricing, a brand-new entry-level accordion will cost between $500 and $600.
Some of the top accordion manufacturers worldwide are:
- Weltmeister
- Borsini
- Hohner
- Pigini
- Roland
5. Fascination and Passion
Regardless of age, anyone can learn to play the accordion if they are passionate about it.
Some individuals would be far better suited to helping students who love the accordion succeed as long as they treat it as their true passion.
At the same time, the accordion is “home” to some accordionists. They are far more at ease creating, performing, and instructing accordion music.
While other children their age were starting to learn the guitar, percussion, piano, and various other instruments, the accordion was their absolute favorite instrument.
6. Wind Instrument
The family of wind musical instruments includes the accordion. Friedrich Buschmann developed it in Germany in 1822.
An accordion is equivalent to a carry-on piano. It is a wind instrument consisting of two reed organs linked together through folding bellows.
Currently, the accordion is frequently used in folk music around Europe, America, and South America.
It is also commonly used in contemporary pop music, such as Mexico. However, it is mainly used for busking in Europe and the United States.
Since that time, the instrument has had a substantial influence on both classical and modern music.
7. Lesson Charts and Cheat Sheets
To start practicing, you may get the accordion Complete Starter Kit for $49.99. These consist of the following:
- Lesson Charts
- Cheat Sheet
- Chord Chart
- Scales Chart
Additionally, the following websites provide online accordion lessons:
These offer free 30-day subscriptions with a monthly fee of $22.
- Lessonface
- Udemy
- TakeLessons
- AccordionLife
- SuperProf
Additionally, you can deepen your studies by taking one-on-one accordion lessons from skilled teachers, which start at $1 for 30 minutes.
You can also educate yourself by watching videos on YouTube from:
- David McAfee
- Dale Mathis Accordion
- Liberty Bellows
8. Create an Income by Playing the Accordion
You must be patient and practice frequently to learn this talent. Keep in mind the following strategies:
- Purchase a reliable accordion
- Recognizing the foundations
- Locate a reliable source of information
- Practice frequently
- Practice left-hand drills and techniques
Among certain people, they can fully immerse themselves in the iconic instrument’s rich culture and history by learning to play the accordion.
While some people perform the accordion for a living, they set it as the ideal instrument for on-the-go performances and gigs since it is adaptable and portable.
Some venues have set budgets for events and are more than happy to pay you for their services.
9. Perseverance and Diligence
There are two methods to become a professional accordionist:
- Self-Study
- Mentoring
If you had a private accordion tutor, it would be fantastic. If you have made a mistake, the instructor will point it out and advise you to fix it immediately. The study session, therefore, will be shorter than average.
However, it might be challenging to find an accordion lecturer, and even if you do, the tutoring may be extremely high.
Without a doubt, a persistent student who practices regularly will acquire their accordion more swiftly than a lazy one. The secret to your success as a professional accordionist is perseverance and diligence.
To learn more, you can also see our posts on Mandolin, Harmonica and Violin.
Conclusion
In the face of learning the accordion, a determined and passionate person can work their way through to success.
But, like all instruments, the better you get, the more rewarding it becomes – your performance never ceases to amaze you.
It is possible for those willing to put in the time, effort, and persistence to master it!
