Traditional Button Accordions

A red shiny button accordion

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The button accordion is a time-honored instrument, but its popularity is as strong as ever.

Accordions come in a variety of forms and styles.  Diatonic, chromatic  and piano accordions are just a few of the most popular types.  Another family of accordions, used since it was first created  in the late nineteenth century, is the button accordion.

The button accordion is an adaptation of an older and more fundamental  instrument called a melodeon.  Physically, the button accordion is Read more . . .

Accordion Sheet Music Online

An accordion player

flickr.com/featheredtar

Playing the accordion is no easy accomplishment, and finding a good selection of sheet music can be every bit as difficult.  If your local music shop leaves you wanting a little more, try the Internet.

There are many trusted websites on the Internet that provide accordion sheet music that you can easily copy and print for your personal enjoyment.  Listed below are only a few to get you started on your search: Read more . . .

Play The Accordion: Tips And Tricks

Accordion players on stage

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The accordion can be a tricky instrument to learn, but it’s a lot of excitement to play.  Here are a few fundamental tips and tricks to learning to play the accordion:

Fundamentals First

The first step to learning to play the accordion is having a plain understanding of the instrument itself.  Your position as a beginner is very crucial.  Sit down on a chair and place the accordion on your left knee.  Now, your right hand will operate the keyboard, while your left hand pumps the bellows.  When you’ve placed the accordion in the correct position, put the straps over your shoulders and adjust them if needed.  Then, slip your left hand below the strap on the button side, and adjust the strap until it feels just right. Read more . . .

History Of The Accordion

An antique accordion

flickr.com/misocrazy

From conventional old-world ballads to modern Acadian and even punk rock, the accordion is a staple in many musical bands.

In fact, this humble instrument  boasts a fascinating history.  The accordion family tree stretches back centuries, to an ancient Chinese instrument called a Sheng or Cheng.  Used during the time of Confucius (551-479 BC), this instrument  is believed to be first to use the free vibrating reed principal.  This principal provided the basis of sound production for today’s state-of-the-art accordions. Read more . . .

Accordion Repair

Several accordion instruments

flickr.com/dorkomatic

An accordion is an instrument that, when properly tuned and in good working condition, sounds good enough for a symphony orchestra.  On the other hand, an old or poorly tuned accordion,  can sound like it’s ready for the junkyard.  So, what do you do when your old accordion sounds like it’s on its final note?

Accordion owners practically have two choices when faced with an aging instrument:  sell it, or repair it.  Of course, avid musicians who sell their accordions will want to replace them; so it may be more beneficial to have the old instrument repaired and tuned up.  Otherwise, selling the old instrument will leave you in the position of looking for a newer (and more expensive) replacement.  Read more . . .