Accordion Improvers

About this course

The course develops playing across a range of musical styles and genres. Demonstrations and explanations introduce bellows technique, chord-button layout, keyboard skills and music reading, with learners practising on their own accordions individually, in pairs and in groups. Activities include right-hand exercises and scales, left-hand bass and chord patterns, and combining both hands to play simple tunes. The course also covers pitch and rhythm notation, chord symbols and different accompaniment styles, with attention to bellows control and playing position.

What you'll learn

• Apply a suitable holding position to support effective accordion technique
• Play simple right-hand exercises and scales
• Use left-hand bass and chord patterns in varied accompaniment styles
• Interpret basic pitch and rhythm notation and chord symbols
• Combine right- and left-hand parts to play simple tunes with some bellows control

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for learners with at least one year’s accordion experience. The Improver level indicates work beyond fundamental techniques, while the class format includes individual playing as well as paired and group activities. Learners are expected to practise between sessions.

• Suitable for piano or chromatic button accordion players
• Requires at least one year’s experience
• Includes playing individually, in pairs and in groups

Before you go

• Learners must bring their own accordion, ideally with a minimum of 48 bass.
• Learners are expected to practise between sessions.