Dr. William Schimmel, curator of the 2026 Accordion Seminars – Our 32nd year – Sponsored by:
The Accordion Global Association

The 2026 Accordion Seminars – “Evolution in the Realm of Permanent Transition” July 31, August 1, August 2, 2026 (Virtual)

The Accordion is in constant motion, moving from one musical area to the next- always in transit. It never left, it never went away and when we thought it was, it went somewhere else.

And, like a homing pigeon, it came back. Maybe it will go away again but it will always return. Maybe it never really went away. Maybe were weren’t paying attention.

Evolution in the Realm of Permanent Transition raises questions rather than solutions. Too many solutions prevent the flow of motion that the Accordion was built for. History has shown the accordion to be the backbone of orchestras in the Jewish Ghettos, during the Holocaust.

It’s portability, its ability to cover many parts and to be hidden. In Irish culture it supplied a dance culture still popular. And, of course, most of us are familiar with the other cultures the accordion has moved into and out of. It went out of style with certain youth groups, yet it returned. Maybe it will leave again or not, It’s not the point. The point is MOTION – always in

TRANSITION

The taxi, the architecture of travel, the orchestra in a box. the hidden

TREASURE

The Accordion has been comfortable being replaced by the electric organ or any other virtual instrument. It will go where it’s needed. If the world gets tired of Tangos it will move to, let’s say, the Chamame or a similar vein.

The Accordion, ironically, is in a good place at this moment. But anything can happen. It can disappear again. But if it does, It’s just moving on to the next place. And this motion isn’t permanent. It’s Permanent Transition.

What’s the payoff?

The ride, of course. It can be a good one, or a bad one. I pity the person who attempts to be The Grand Puppeteer of the Accordion. Steer it one way and it will move another way. Go for the ride and you will experience the magic carpet. But it’s not magic, it’s MOTION.

In the meantime, be ready to be a part of an exciting journey with no end

July 31 August 1 and 2, 2026 – virtual

Topics will include:

Permanent Transition, The Homing Pigeon Dimension, The Art of Replacement, The Accordion In Protest, Notes on the road, The Democratic Accordion, The Accordion as Uniter, Orchestra in a Box, Tango Therapy, The Taxi Composer, The Architecture of Transport, Classical Vogueing, What’s so bad about left hand switching?, Illusion as positive, Intent (do it better)
 
and more to come

Participants will include:
Micki Goodman, Paul Stein, Will Holshouser, Dr. Robert Young Mc Mahan, Dr. Emmanuel Borowski, Dr. Denise Koncelik, Bob Goldberg, Brian Dewan, Sari Kalin, Jeanne Velonis, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Dr. Dave Soldier, Dan Cooper, Gene Pritsker, Milica Paranosic, Lee Mc Clure, Mary Spencer Knapp, Erica Mancini, David Stoler, Pat Stoler, David First, Jack Di Bennidetto, Dr. Thomas Massucci, Doug Makofka, Benjamin Ickies, Corn Mo, Carl Riehl, Robert Duncan, Peter Flint, Bachtopus, Rita Davidson, John Foti, Cam Goldberg, Olivia Goldberg, Luigi Righetti, Walter di Vecci, Mayumi Mayaoka, Melissa Elledge, Godfrey Nelson, Lorranie Nelson Wolf, Elliott Sharp, Mike’s Place, Rob Milrod, Steven Glutzman, Peter Jarvis, Michael Schimmel, Dr. Schimmel.

Tributes to William Komaiko, Guy Klucevsek and Mary Tokarski.

Master Classes from 3 to 4:PM
Concerts from 4 to 5:PM
$185 for the entire weekend
PayPal – Accordionbill@gmail.com

Checks payable to:
William Schimmel
345 E 85th St 4RE
New York, NY 10028

Reservations and information: Accordionbill@gmail.com
917-498-6823
212-876-0827