Yann Tiersen’s soundtrack to my favourite film, “Amélie”, inspired me to play the accordion. Here’s what I’ve learned in 11 years of accordion practice:

1. It’s never too late.
When people ask me how old I was when I started playing the accordion, they expect me to tell them I was in preschool. In fact, when I started in 2013, I was 27. In the world of music, that’s “late”. I was muddling my way through “Hot Cross Buns” at an age when most professional accordionists are touring the world and performing at sold-out concert halls.

Don’t use age or life stage as an excuse to forgo learning something new. Half of my music students are beginning a brand new instrument in their 60’s! It’s a fantastic way to challenge your brain, improve your coordination, and step out of your comfort zone.

2. Consistency matters.
“Talent” is irrelevant if you have consistency. My fitness coaching team and I give our clients advice that relates to music practice, too: Twenty minutes every day is better than 2 hours on one day. Build your practice into your daily life. Set up accountability buddies if you can. Focus on the process rather than the outcome.

3. Listen.
Active listening means focusing all your attention on just listening (no multitasking!). It can give you a deeper understanding of a specific piece of music, a performance partner’s playing style, and your own musical preferences. Listening is a crucial communication skill – in musical contexts and otherwise.

4. Dismantle stereotypes.
Q: “What’s the difference between an onion and an accordion?”
A: “Nobody cries when you cut up an accordion.”

The much-maligned squeezebox has a certain reputation in the music world. Along with my performance partner and Accordion Fest co-director Walter Martella, I aim to expand audiences’ concept of accordion music. Bach, Chopin, jazz, and tangos on accordion? Yes, please!

Whatever endeavour you’re involved in, accept that it comes with stereotypes. Some might be benign, while others are harmful (like “Polka is the best genre for accordion”). In the name of education and inclusion, work to dismantle them.

5. Don’t forget to have fun!
I make sure I’m working on pieces I love, and rehearsing and performing with musicians with whom I enjoy hanging out. If you’re going to invest significant time into a new skill, you might as well enjoy yourself!

Karina Inkster is a fitness coach, author of five books, co-director of the qathet Accordion Fest, accordion and didgeridoo teacher at the PR Academy of Music, and host of the No-B.S. Vegan podcast.

For further information: karina@karinainkster.com