About this course
This "Learning the Button Accordion Month One" course for studying the B System button accordion is suitable for those who want to self-study the instrument. It covers various aspects of musical literacy and techniques for mastering button accordion playing.
Students are encouraged to learn a series of pieces and exercises of increasing difficulty, understand musical literacy concepts, and complete tasks to test their practical and theoretical knowledge each month. Problem-solving tasks are based on the required study of musical pieces, where students must choose one of three recommended pieces of equal difficulty for each practical task and demonstrate their understanding through a written solution.
The task requirements for students learning to play the button accordion include identifying the corresponding keys on the right and left keyboards, and adding time signatures below musical notes. They also must determine optimal points for changing bellows direction, and recognise the title of a popular song. Students will also need to establish the most effective finger application (alternating fingers) based on hand position during play, among other skills. Musical pieces with new playing techniques are presented with detailed methodical analysis and practical instructions for practice. Methodical notes in the guide examine common mistakes made by beginner accordion players and offer guidance on preventing or correcting specific shortcomings in playing. Answers to the tasks, song lyrics, and a list of musical terms with page references for their explanation are provided at the end of the guide for further assistance.
Comments (0)
Mastering the accordion independently is possible, but challenges may arise without a teacher's guidance. Adhering to regular practice, following a sequential approach, and self-assessment are crucial. Evaluate playing continuously, focusing on posture, bellows control, and hand positioning. Learning discipline involves setting clear goals and active engagement with theoretical and practical material. Regularly revisit and practice previously covered material to reinforce understanding. Successful independent practice requires more than a desire to learn; it demands determination, persistence, and patience. Allocate approximately one month to study each assignment, memorizing one piece completely. Transcribe chosen pieces into a music notebook and complete written assignments, remembering that a proficient accordionist excels not only in reading but also writing musical notes.
The accordion is structured into three main parts: the right and left sections of the body, and the folding bellows connecting them. The right part houses the neck, right keyboard, and typically has two straps. The left part provides support, while the folding bellows is the primary sound mechanism. The right keyboard usually has 52 keys, varying in some accordions. The left keyboard typically has 100 keys but may differ. A strap for the left hand is attached, and both sides feature grilles covering the valves. Understanding the accordion's construction is fundamental for aspiring players.
In the first month of accordion learning, the focus is on understanding musical sounds. Musical sounds, distinct from non-musical ones, have pitch, duration, loudness, and timbre. On the accordion, sound is produced by pressing keys and moving the bellows simultaneously. The pitch depends on the steel reed's frequency, and each key corresponds to a specific pitch, forming a musical scale. Factors like the duration and loudness of sound, along with timbre, contribute to the accordion's characteristic sound. Timbre can vary between the right and left keyboard and different accordions. Understanding musical notes (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si) and their arrangement in the basic musical scale is fundamental in the early stages of learning.
The right keyboard of the accordion consists of white and black keys arranged in three vertical rows. The white keys are named after the sounds of the basic scale: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si. Each key is numbered to indicate its pitch, with higher numbers corresponding to higher pitches. The musical scale is divided into octaves, each containing 12 notes, including 7 primary ones. The right keyboard of a 52-key accordion has four full octaves and two incomplete ones. The division of the scale into octaves is crucial for understanding the arrangement of keys on the accordion. Memorizing the names of the scale's ascending and descending notes and their division into octaves is essential for effective accordion playing.
Achieving a comfortable and stable playing posture for the accordion involves placing the instrument on the knees with the weight distributed on the left leg. The accordion should not be tilted, and the lower part of the body should support the instrument. Two right straps contribute to stability, with the second strap being optional. Proper adjustment of all straps is crucial for comfort. The left strap supports the left hand during bellows expansion, and its length needs careful adjustment. Striking a balance between tightness and looseness is essential for ease of hand movement. These considerations ensure a comfortable and stable playing position for accordionists.
test
This music notation lesson introduces pitch and duration representation. It covers the use of a musical staff, clefs, and octaves for pitch, while exploring various note durations such as quarter, half, whole, and eighth notes. Practical exercises involve rewriting examples, placing notes on a staff, and playing them on an accordion. The lesson also emphasizes the importance of counting beats for rhythm accuracy and provides tips on proper accordion playing techniques, hand positions, and posture.
Note value chart used in music notation
This music lesson covers note notation rules, emphasizing stem placement, flag direction, and note durations. It includes practical tasks such as writing notes with different durations and answering questions about notation details. A specific assignment involves practicing the violin clef, writing notes on the staff, and playing the C major scale on an accordion, focusing on hand positions and tempo changes. The lesson aims to enhance note-writing skills, musical scale proficiency, and keyboard orientation without looking.
This lesson introduces the concept of bars or measures in music notation, explaining the role of bar lines and the time signature. It emphasizes the importance of counting beats aloud for rhythmic precision and discusses the potential issue of foot-tapping in accordion playing. The use of different time signatures, such as 4/4 and 3/4, is explained, along with their implications for musical performance. The lesson concludes by mentioning the common use of two-four time signature, where each measure contains two quarter notes.
The assignment guides students in understanding musical notation, fingering, and rhythm for accordion playing. It covers topics like bar lines, time signatures, and finger numbering. Through tasks and exercises, students practice counting beats, clapping rhythms, and playing melodies on the accordion, focusing on finger alternation and repetition techniques. Overall, the assignment aims to improve rhythmic precision, finger coordination, and musical proficiency on the accordion.
Tempo is the speed of performance of a piece. Usually, at the beginning of a piece, the tempo is indicated in writing: "Fast", "Moderate", "Slow" and others. All these indications are conditional, they do not determine the exact tempo of performance.
As you conclude this one-month accordion course, it's essential to reflect on the progress you've made and the skills you've developed. As you prepare for the upcoming second-month course, consider building on the foundation you've established. In the next phase, you might explore more advanced musical pieces, delve deeper into complex rhythms, and refine your playing techniques.
