NEWS

The Accordion The accordion is my main instrument and I have been playing it since 1986. Accordingly, arI can accompany students on this instrument up to the music college entrance qualification. I also accompany students in their careers at the arts grammar school or in their participation in the voluntary performance tests. I teach both melody bass and standard bass and can also instruct beginners in the C-grip button system. In my teaching, I don't limit myself to German accordion literature. For the beginners lessons I mainly use the Palmer-Hughes School from the USA. The advantage of this method is that students learn to read the bass clef, which is unfortunately still not a matter of course in Germany. The traditional method with the old German school works is unfortunately still practiced far too often and denies students a deep understanding of music theory and later the processing and transfer of interesting piano literature, for example. Worth knowing about the instrument The accordion is a very versatile instrument. You could also call it a "take away piano". A wide variety of musical styles can be played on the accordion. From different folk music styles to baroque music, film music, classical music to rock, pop, jazz and much more, the accordion leaves little to be desired. It is an ideal instrument for beginners, as the tones do not have to be laboriously formed and shaped, but are already built into the instrument and just wait to be made to sound at the touch of a key or button. In principle, the sound of the accordion, as with all other hand-drawn instruments, is produced with reeds. By pulling or pushing the bellows, an air flow is created in the instrument and this then makes the reeds vibrate. The sound is generated in the same way as with a harmonica. An accordion comes in a wide variety of designs. With the chromatic accordion, for example, the treble side that is played with the right hand can consist of either a piano or a button system. The bass side is equipped with the so-called standard bass manual. The melody bass manual is also required for musical styles such as baroque, contemporary compositions or jazz. Just like on the treble side, melodies can be played over several octaves on this side. Larger instruments also have register switches, both on the treble and on the bass side, with which the timbre can be changed. The tuning of an instrument is also important. The common instruments are usually tuned so that any kind of music can be played with a nice sound experience. However, certain styles of music also require special tuning for an authentic sound experience. There are different tunings, for example for jazz, baroque music, alpine folk music or musette music. Choosing the right instrument In order to find the right instrument for a player, first of all the body size is crucial. This decides whether an instrument with 48, 72, 96 or 120 basses can be played. The size also determines the weight of the instrument, which is a criterion especially for players who travel a lot with the instrument. When it comes to the question of whether to get a used or a new instrument, opinions differ. Personally, I do not recommend buying a new instrument when starting out. For this it is usually enough to get a well-preserved and refurbished instrument from a specialist dealer. The prices are very different. For example, a used 48 bass instrument is often available from a specialist dealer from 650 euros, a 72 bass instrument from 800-1000 euros. If you already have an instrument in mind, please allow me to give you the following recommendations: You will always have the greatest playing fun on high-quality instruments. You should always use instruments from well-known brand manufacturers, regardless of whether they are new or used. Unfortunately, more and more low-cost providers are circulating on the market, often undercutting the models from brand manufacturers that are comparable with the new instruments on offer at a price that is over 50% lower. The quality criteria for a good instrument are many and I would just like to list a few. The selection of the materials built into the instrument is crucial. This then decides whether the tuning of the instrument lasts for a long time, the bellows stays tight, the varnish does not flake off with the lightest blow or the instrument literally falls apart after a few years. Bad material leads to inaccurately responsive reeds and rattling noises when playing. The metal parts oxidize (rust) much more easily. Wood built into the instrument has been poorly stored and can crack or burst if the air is too dry. The complex bass mechanics squeak, jam or bend. The instruments have a chemical smell and their vapors are not really beneficial for a player's health. I also advise against buying used items from private individuals (unless you know the seller personally) or bargains from flea markets. Such instruments should always be examined carefully by a professional before buying. Otherwise the lottery for instruments is too big. I remember one particularly bitter case here. A student bought a beautiful instrument at a flea market. The top on the treble side was covered with mosaics made of glass brilliants and looked incredibly exclusive. The big disappointment soon followed. Nice outside, but ugly inside! It quickly turned out that the inner workings of the instrument were beyond repair measures and that it could only serve as an exhibit in a showcase. That is why I would like to advise you: you better wait and watch out for bargains. In any case, I would be happy to advise you before buying an instrument.