Training

Strategies for Effective Training

• Understand the relationship of physical and emotional demands of training
• Be sensitive to the differing needs of students throughout the learning process
• Implement motivational strategies that give students confidence in their skills and learning abilities
• Teach Guidelines for Musicians, by teaching the basics of musicianship, for example: how to advertise, how to dress for the gig, successful gig marketing and presentation, preparing for gigs, keeping a logbook of performances, learning to play for a specific audience, writing courtesy thank-you notes, playing for free-fun-or money, confirming performance dates, bringing appropriate equipment (chair, amps, music stand, music, etc), how to play for a vocalist, how to play with other performers, rules for playing in an orchestra, making a playlist, understanding financial and legal issues regarding the music business, among other ideas.
• Use internet training and other technologies for music training
• Promote the versatility of the accordion and eliminate stereotypes of the past that cast the accordion as a “polka instrument” alone.
• Start with a 48 bass accordion instead of a 12 bass for more flexibility in learning different music styles and technical levels
• Consider the digital accordion with all its orchestrations as a possible consideration for students with more advanced training
• Promote listening labs- by offering field trip to orchestra performances that play music related to the music students are learning
• Teach a variety of music styles and genres, including classical, jazz and modern music selections and include teaching from lead sheets as students progress
• Select music appropriate for the learner and consider Palmer-Hughes Accordion Course as well as other technical methods for the accordion
• Focus on listening skills, timing skills, bellows controls, and keyboard attack.
• Teach expression when playing music, not just playing music
• Check student progress regularly and provide checklist for practice with established goals
• Train for solo, ensemble, and orchestra involvement.
• Train for playing with other musicians and musical instruments
• Show connections between all keyboard skills and the accordion
• Train for performance and provide strategies to be a successful performer
• Improve memorization skills, playing with and without music
• Above all, enjoy what you are doing and the audience will respond

Youth Piano Accordion

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Accordion Renaissance Instrument Repair Workshop

A four-hour hands-on accordion repair workshop hosted by Accordion Renaissance in Williamsburg, Va. The workshop was taught by Dale Wise (60+ years experience) and Pat Racioppa (15 years experience).

The following topics were discussed and demonstrated during the morning session (2 hours):