How to Take Accordion Lessons

The accordion was first patented in 1829, but it doesn't look much like the accordion you'd recognize. It had a left hand keyboard and your other hand would operate the bellows. Accordion playing has become virtually extinct. Not many people pick up the hobby nowadays. Follow these steps to take accordion lessons.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Inquire at a music store about who gives accordion lessons. They may know of a player in the area.

2. Ask local VFWs and American Legions if they know someone who plays accordion. They may have contacts because of their involvement in parades.

3. Learn to play by DVD. There are in-depth lessons available for players of all levels. They focus on all techniques and styles, including Cajun, Polka, Cowboy, Tex-Mex and Irish button music.

4. Buy instruction books. They're designed to give you a comprehensive knowledge of playing the accordion. The Palmer Hughes Accordion Instruction Series comes with ten books of varying difficulties.

5. Know that the beginner books go over how to hold an accordion, the treble keyboard, bass keyboard and how to tell chords from basses. They get more advanced, the higher the volume.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask family friends if they know anyone who plays the accordion.
• Inquire with other musicians in your area, including music teachers.

Resources

• Learn to play accordion by DVD
• A personal account of accordion lessons
• The Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts
• Buy accordion instruction books and lessons here
• Accordions Worldwide