Accordions Worldwide (AWW) would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We hope you have enjoyed the news over the last year, and AWW will continue to keep you informed about accordion events wherever they are happening. Even with the pandemic, we have plenty of wonderful positive news and events taking place in the accordion world. We are all wishing that 2022 will be a much better year for all of us.
I like to begin each new year reminding us all that playing music at any level is a unique and special gift which we all possess. It is never too late to begin learning the accordion (or any instrument) and the joys, which include meeting new friends, are priceless. Think of all the wonderful people that you have met this past year because of the accordion. (Even if you met them virtually online, one day you will actually meet them!)
Here are your 2022 New Year’s Resolutions! Have some suggestions? Please send them along with your ideas/comments to me at Ritabelll@aol.com
1. I promise to practice my accordion every day.
You can find at least 20 to 30 minutes a day to practice your accordion if you really want to. Now that many of us continue to be home because of Covid 19, we have extra time for learning. If you find time for watching the news on TV, or talking on your cell phone, enjoying your tablet, computer or just sitting on your couch, you can find the time to take your accordion out of its case! With a little effort, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Practicing your accordion is relaxing, a stress reliever and also good exercise! And you don’t need a doctor’s appointment or a prescription!
2. I promise to play my accordion for friends and family at least once a month even if online (more often would be even better)!
Everyone who has ever seen me perform has always commented on the beauty and complexity of the instrument{ as if there were something very magical about playing the accordion. But it is magical, isn’t it?) Going to a family dinner or having the family and friends over?……. take out your accordion and play for them. No matter what your level of proficiency is……….people will be amazed by your playing and admire your commitment to learning the accordion. Share your music. Maybe we cannot actually physically visit people and places to perform but we can still schedule virtual concerts on Skype, FaceTime, Facebook, etc. Try contacting friends via technology and play for them!
3. I promise to learn at least one new song every month.
Expand your repertoire. It doesn’t have to be a concerto! What about a new popular song or one from the past that you always wanted to learn. Don’t have the music? Look it up on the Internet or e-mail your accordion friends. If you want the song…….. it is out there on the internet: however, if you really cannot find it, try to play it by ear, sound it out, write out the notes. It may take time, but it is a good experience to learn it on your own. It is possible, don’t be afraid to try it.
4. I promise to attend at least two or more accordion events in 2021 via technology or in person.
There are many accordion festivals, concerts, accordion clubs etc. around the country. The majority of them are online at this time. It is so easy to register, attend, or participate from the comfort of your own home! Consider making an online donation to help support musicians whose livelihood has been greatly reduced due to the cancellation of so many live events. Search the USA News www.accordionusa.com each month for online events. Not only will you have a wonderful time listening to great accordionists, but you will be able to participate on any level from beginner to advanced.
5. I will purchase at least two accordion CD’s, iTunes, books, sheet music, mp3’s etc. and various online platforms.
There is so many wonderful accordion music to purchase. Search the Internet and you will find lists of accordion artists. It is important to show our support for these outstanding musicians by buying their online offerings. Visit www.MusicForAccordion.com to find your favorite accordion items!
6. I promise to introduce the accordion to people who have never heard one before.
This is a special opportunity for you to expand the musical horizons of someone. The accordion is so versatile, found in cultures all over the world and running the gamut from folk to classical and everything in between! There is a visual fascination with the accordion that no other instrument can claim. How do we do it? Keys, buttons, bellows, It is a coordination of fine motor skills that places an accordionist at the top of the list of the Best Multitaskers in the World! You can even play your accordion outside. ( I am sure you knew that already!)
7. I promise to send news about my accordion club, association, concert, event to Ritabelll@aol.com for an article in the USA News. We can also include photos and videos.
We want to know all about your accordion activities. Please let me know far in advance, if possible, so that readers can plan their schedules accordionly (Could not resist that one!!).
8. I will think about treating myself to a new accordion! Why not? When you have a new instrument, you sound better!! Well….some old fashioned practice would also help.
9. I promise to read the USA Newswww.accordionusa.com every month and the Weekly News www.accordions.com regularly. All past publications are available in archives. Just click on “Past News Index” at the top of the page.
10. I promise to get in shape this year!
Being in good physical health leads to a better mental and spiritual outlook on life. Watching your diet, losing weight, exercising are all positive and beneficial activities. Not only does it benefit your daily life, but also your musical abilities. Why is this true? As you may already know, playing the accordion requires upper body strength to lift the instrument to play and perhaps to stroll with. Using the bellows requires arm muscle movement, etc. You will feel better, look better, and play better! My suggestion: Take a photo of yourself/video of your playing the accordion. Get on a regular exercise program as well as a regular practice schedule. Take a photo/video of yourself three months later. You will notice a great improvement in your physical appearance and your musical performance. Let me know how it works for you.
11. I will reread Resolutions 1-10 again and again!
Let’s bring more kindness and good feelings to our world in 2021. A caring word and your accordion playing will go very far to make someone enjoy the day and feel better. Playing a song on your accordion for someone brings positivity and enjoyment. Don’t be shy. You do not have to be a virtuoso. Put you and your accordion on the many online platforms and you can easily send your musical message of peace and happiness all over the world!
Happy New Year to All! Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2022 from the team at Accordions Worldwide!
