About the Instrument:
It would be easier to name a country that doesn’t use Accordion in its music. If you’re looking for an instrument that will take you on a journey through the native music of many different countries, look no further. While some consider the sound dated, MIDI Accordions will let you trigger any sound you want off a synthesizer. And even if you don’t, there are plenty of fans out there for this unique instrument. Another one of the instruments that plays both harmony and melody simultaneously, the Accordion is another instrument that will make you smile every time you hear it.
Purchase Price: $450-12,000.00
Rental Price: $30-40 per month
How Loud Is It?: 85 dbl.
Difficulty Level: 7.5
Can the Sound be Muted?: No
Weight: 10-30 lbs., depending on size
Additional costs, What else you’ll need:
For a larger Accordion, a single or double
shoulder strap to help hold the Accordion. That’s about it.
Scholarship Opportunities:
Limited
Performing Opportunities:
Competitions, Solo and Orchestra concerts,
folk music for many countries: Italy, Ireland, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Scotland, Poland, Mexico, Israel, Greece, etc..
Used in Zydeco and Cajun music, as well as many other styles.
Related Instruments:
Melodeon, Concertina, Bandoneon.
Pros: No other instruments needed. The Accordion, like Piano and Guitar, can perform orchestral pieces all by itself, with melody, harmony, and bass lines. One of the few instruments that has a more simplified instrument for beginners, and then can get more complex, (more buttons and keys), as the player progresses.
Cons: Somewhat bulky. Takes some time to get used to pulling and pushing on instrument to create sound while pushing down the keys and buttons.
Why play the Accordion? Click on the movie below.