Mention the word “accordion” to people over the age of about 30, and you get a rather predictable set of visual and/or auditory responses that are often, but not always, negative, followed by a verbal response along the following lines:

“My grandfather/mother/father/uncle used to play the accordion.”

“We have one in our attic that belonged to ________________ (fill in the blank).

(In a whispered tone, eyes shifting) “I used to play.”

(With a dreamy smile) “I’d love to start playing again, but doubt if I remember how.”

And, finally, the painfully uttered……”UGH!”

Mention that you play the accordion to anyone under the age of 30, and you’ll quickly notice that the response is DIFFERENT….. VERY DIFFERENT!!!!! And this has become the “buzz” word as I’ve investigated and explored young minds in an effort to determine just what kids are thinking about our instrument these days. When I tell a young person that I’m an accordionist, this is what I get (and these are direct quotes):

“Really? I listen to _____________ and they use accordion in their music.”

“My dad played one and we still have it and I’ve been trying to learn how to play it myself.”

And my favorite response….

“How cool is that!!!”

The American Accordionists’ Association has decided that the time has come to confront the issue of attracting youth to the world of the accordion. And we’ve recognized from our research into the issue, that the approach we take to bringing new, young musicians into our “nest” requires a very different approach; an approach that is nothing like the one that drew us to our instrument many years ago.

Our observations over the last several years reveal that once exposed to fine accordion music, young people express a curiosity about it, an openness that can and will, if the curiosity is nurtured, lead to a desire to play it, or include it in their musical pursuits. (A fine example of this new trend at work is the latest US Virtuoso Champion, Gabe Hall Rodrigues.) These young people are often musically experienced, and therefore, have some knowledge of what it’s like to learn how to play an instrument.

They have not only the desire to explore other musical opportunities, but the means to do so. They are less reliant on their parents. Most importantly, they want to be different from their parents. So, while their parents may encourage trying out the “usual” musical fare, these young people, true to their age and stage, will want to be different in an effort to express their individuality, and declare their independence from their elders.

And let’s face it, the accordion is different. We oldsters have been touting its benefits for years: its versatility, portability, its ability to capture intense emotion and imitate just about any other instrument. Young people see all of these qualities, too, along with the fact that it’s different! The latest digital models, with all their “bells and whistles” appeal a generation that’s grown up holding a computer along with their baby bottles.

With all of these new developments in mind, the American Accordionists Association is proud to announce an exciting new effort to promote the accordion among young aspiring musicians. The Youth Involvement Program will take place for the first time this year at the AAA’s Annual Festival, which will be held in Charleston, South Carolina from July 13-17 at the Sheraton at Charleston Airport.

A select group of young accordionists between the ages of 13 and 28 will be joined by Charleston area high school aged youth who play instruments other than accordion. They will form a Jazz Ensemble, conducted by noted Jazz Accordionist and AAA board member Mr. Eddie Monteiro. The ensemble will rehearse on Friday and perform several jazz pieces at the festival’s awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

The response among youthful participants has been overwhelmingly positive! Their primary reasons for joining this endeavor? In the words of all of the registrants: “It’s a different experience!”

Photos are of Eddie Monteiro and the Charleston Jazz Kids:From left to right Xavier, Anna, Kendrick and Richard.

For further information: Marilyn O’Neil……. Marilyn@CTAccordion.com