National Accordion Association (NAA) Challenge: As an extension of last week’s Challenge, this week’s assignment is to video yourself again. Plan to play the same piece of music that you did last week. Put on the accordion and either sit while you play or stand, whichever you normally do. You could look in a mirror as you hold the accordion but watching yourself on the video should let you examine the position without worrying about the playing.

Control Your Accordion: It’s important to note whether the accordion is held correctly throughout the piece.

One of our readers, a seasoned accordion teacher, sent a suggestion for checking the placement of your instrument as you play. “Keyboard too far right or left? Can you position yourself so that your right arm is bent at the elbow and held such that you can control your movement on all keys/buttons on the keyboard?” This teacher also points out that your fingers should be curved as you play. In other words, play on the tips of your fingers. (Uh oh, long fingernails??)

Making Music With Your Accordion?: Now let’s briefly (very briefly) consider the actual playing of your piece. Of course, making music with the accordion or any instrument is a whole world in itself. Today’s weekly concentration, however, will be on articulation of the bass notes. Place your recorder facing the left side of the accordion.

Pay Special Attention to Your Bass Techniques: Play the same piece again and then listen and watch your performance. Pay attention to the bass notes! Different types of music will require a different touch on the bass notes.

Another reader responded to last week’s Challenge to evaluate your playing: “Thanks, this is very helpful. I got my first accordion paying gig recently and wanted to represent the instrument well.”

Congratulations to this musician for moving into the professional realm and for promoting the accordion to the public in such a positive manner!

For further information:
Sharon Seaton
accordionsharon@yahoo.com.