How Long Does It Take To Play Accordion, and Practice Tips

[@anitajmc1687]

I have purchased an accordion, I am 77 years of age, regularly attending your program, here no teacher for teaching accordion, in 1959 I first saw the accordion and from then I dream for a Accordion and which come true after 60 years, can I learn it from your lessons

[@moshezuchter]

Amazing, Anita! Let me know if you have any questions

[@gliderrider]

My wife be like, “What hobby is it this week?”

[@moshezuchter]

😄

[@izzyh.3581]

My gf said the same thing about 2 years ago. She said me and the guys are always doing something new, and whatever fad we are on will pass. It reminded me of an episode of Ed, Edd n Eddie where the trio would start doing something new and the rest of the kids they were associated with were doing some other fad. When the guys moved on, the other kids were doing what they were previously doing. It got irritating but I kind of find that to be true in my experience. Some folks are just ahead of the curve.

[@benjordan9882]

ADHD be likr

[@esmyyt3061]

True lol there’s many many things I want to learn

[@vKazak8165]

What hobby is it this week now?

[@kingly456]

I needed this for Kass' theme from the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, thank you

[@moshezuchter]

Beautiful song! Just played it this morning for a group of pre-schoolers :)

[@kingly456]

Moshe Zuchter ikr! Everyone in the game wants a piece of Link while outside everyone wants Kass, Mipha, and Sidon. I remember when I was just exploring the vast map of BOTW I hear an accordion in the distance and I would go there immediately. Also I'll just improvise on the Piano for Kass' theme since I'm too scared to learn the accordion

[@f.jacobalvaradoDOP]

Same here, haven't committed to going out and buying an accordion for it but I'm highly interested in learning it. What made you decide to fully commit to learning it? @kingly456

[@moshezuchter]

@@f.jacobalvaradoDOP I'm not the op, but if you have a music shop in your city, perhaps you could rent the accordion for a month and see if you like it? I didn't know anything about the accordion when I bought it and just googled how to play one. Best decision I ever made 😊

[@kingly456]

@@f.jacobalvaradoDOP The main reason why I bought an accordion was so I could play weeb music lol but I was too focused on improving my piano skills to the point of forgetting to practice my guitar skills so my accordion has been collecting dust but I'm still interested in learning Kass' Theme on the accordion tho

[@John_Smith5]

I like how these tips doesn’t only apply to accordion but to any skill. I’m actually trying to learn violin and these tips makes my practice much more efficient and less frustrating. Thanks and great video!

[@moshezuchter]

Awesome, John. Agree with you!

[@camron3255]

My grandfather was a big inspiration to me and he knew how to play accordion and he was very good at it. He also taught my dad how to play and I wanted to learn how to play so I could be like him. He was one of the most creative and brilliant people I know, and I’m sure he would be very proud if I learned how to play accordion

[@moshezuchter]

That's a wonderful lineage of accordion players. I'm sure they would be happy with anything you choose to pursue ❤️🪗

[@errolgumusdere7853]

WELL SAID. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE AND LEARN MUSIC NOTES. 98 PERCENT OF PEOPLE WILL QUIT. NOTHING COMES FREE SO PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

[@jxnas-by4xd]

Those People which really want to learn it wont quit :)

[@pt68picaso]

That's 20,000 players per million.

[@Houdi2]

I've been taking lessons weekly for about 1 1/2 years. I always pay IN ADVANCE for a block of 10 or 12 lessons as an incentive for me to stay engaged with the program. I chose to learn accordion as a mental exercise - to 'expand the envelope,' so to speak. Now in my 70s, I believed I needed to make a committed effort to exercise this 'muscle' that is between our ears. Reducing TV time, reading more good literature, some symphony and opera going. Hey, we have only this one life to live, so we need to make the best of it. I have described the accordion learning process as analogous to learning to fly a helicopter. I was a professional fixed-wing pilot who at a late date - in my 40s - learned to fly helicopters. For an experienced airplane pilot, the helicopter is radically different. The hands, feet, and the brain are all being used differently. Who knew that you have to apply power to LAND??? My teacher is wonderful. That makes big difference, I think, because not wanting to disappoint her makes me more dedicated to daily practice. We have used the Palmer-Hughes books - I'm currently 2/3 of the way through Book 2. The P-H books are dated in the 1950s so maybe are not so politically correct at times, but they are exceptionally well constructed. They use a building block approach to push you to something new with each lesson, but that something new always turns out to be achievable. An unexpected benefit is that I am slowly learning to read music. The Palmer-Hughes series, available on Amazon, is genius, I think. I try to practice daily, but sometimes Life gets in the way. I did a 4 1/2 month sail boat trip to Alaska last summer and didn't practice once, but I dove back into it when I returned home. Why the accordion? I first thought about a bandoneon because I love tango music and then I found out what they cost. So then I though a concertina could fake a bandoneon, until I discovered they were diatonic. (A button push plays two different notes depending on whether the instrument is inhaling or exhaling. Screw that!) An accordion can sort of fake both of these when needed. But really, the accordion is endemic to so many different cultures: oom-pah-pah German music; sidewalk cafes in Paris, Rome or Athens; Tejano in Texas; Scottish and Irish too. It's a wonderfully expressive instrument. I hope to continue my lessons until I am unable to manage them any more.

[@moshezuchter]

What a wonderful and inspiring journey you're living, Houdi2. Thank you for sharing. Did you have any musical background before starting the accordion? Would love read more of your writing or follow your KZbin channel if you have one :-)

[@ronaldderonde]

Thai you Sir, This is exactly why I mysellf started playing piano/keyboard/accordeon at my sixtees retirement,to keep the Brain working. Greetings from Holland.

[@jantulen204]

@@ronaldderonde Hai Roland. Mag ik als collega accordeonist vragen of je toevallig op een roland accordeon speelt?

[@FrankDudgeon]

Wonderful post. I'm in my 70s' and have been trying out a number of instruments for similar reasons of personal enjoyment. By the way, there are a few different types of concertinas. Sounds like you tried an "anglo," which gives different notes on push or draw. The "English" concertina gives you same note in both directions for each button.

[@listairgin]

Houdi2 Thanks for sharing your story and experience with us all. Very inspiring to others for sure. 🌌🕊🌅

[@capecccc]

I've learned this when playing guitar. Everytime I went to bed and woke up I could play alot better! Same goes with studying for school.

[@moshezuchter]

Agreed! Gotta give it time to sink in :)

[@errolgumusdere7853]

REMEMBER ONE THING!!! MUSIC ENDS, PRACTICE NEVER ENDS. NO PRACTICE NO MUSIC.

[@pattysherwood7091]

I have really enjoyed watching your videos. I am so happy that I can now sit down and play quite a few songs on the accordion. I had to practice in spells, then set it aside for months, then take it up again, for about 5 years. I just picked it up again and I am getting better! Thank you, Moshe.

[@cupodouble5433]

Nobody: Absolutely nobody: Louisianans: *We are the accordion*

[@ghollisjr]

This guy is the accordion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaW8ZZeljMqMnck

[@charlessmith5903]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos!. Now I'm starting to get somewhere with my practice. I only wish I found them sooner

[@moshezuchter]

Glad you found them! And thanks for watching 😊

[@38scsharma]

Hi Moshe- I have always maintained you are one of the finest Instructor/Teacher for learning accordion playing and you are so encouraging- plz keep it up ! '' even I miss 4 times out of 5" - in one of your replies -is so encouraging ! And you are so modest and that makes you so graceful and friendly for those who wish to to learn accordion- the most beautiful instrument in the world. Best wishes and Regards.

[@rosemaryprice7431]

S Sharma n

[@malachid9298]

I use the guitar tab app a lot. It provides me chord sheets for a ton of pop music that I have the melody for in my head. Just listening to the radio I hear songs I want to try and often someone had tried to make a chord sheet. It provides a start and keeps me motivated to play a little after dinner most nites about half hour to an hour. After about 6 weeks with my instrument I’m accompanying on a song this Friday. Accordion love has been a good inspiration and provided wonderful technique points, but nothing tops time in for me.

[@moshezuchter]

Agree! Guitar tab / chords are super easy to access, are mostly accurate, and at least give you an idea of how to approach a song. I use them all the time. And yes, putting in the time is probably the biggest factor. Thanks for the comment.

[@lydiavalena9160]

Really appreciated your video, especially your timeline! Daily practice. Scales, chords variations... jumps on left hands. Also when you are talking about the drive as an adult! Essential. in my experience, I tried to get lessons for adults with several teachers but it did not last, I was frustrated everytime, one was too classical, could not practice songs that I did not like! Though I learned the technique. I lost my drive at the end... Another one, too messy, did not give me one technique at the time, was always confusing for me...The lack of method prevents me from progressing! I finally decided to practice on my own and found one song "mon amant de saint jean" that I love singing, an easy sheet music, that drived me like crazy for 2 months and I finally succeed playing it! With hard work every day! Thank you so muc again for your inspiring work!

[@alphagameplay73]

I like your video. I'm older student. I'm 40 and I started to play accordion few weeks ago. I was play accordion one year when I was 16teen, and never again until now. I hope I get my goal. Best regards

[@moshezuchter]

Totally! 🙌 Let me know what you need help with or what you get stuck with.

[@timstahl3275]

Love your channel and music. I'm an "ear player" and at about 7 years old played the piano. In high school, I bought a (12) bass accordion. I picked it up quickly. I'm now (79) years old, and have just ordered a twelve bass; hoping it will come back quickly. I must say that I've never had so much fun than playing this instrument. It seems to me that polka was my favorite. My daughter is asking me to try Mariachi (Norteña) - Do you have any advise. What would be a good resource for me to learn this style of music?

[@moshezuchter]

Awesome, Tim! I'm not sure about resources for learning Mariachi music, but once you learn the fundamentals of the accordion, it should be fairly straightforward to pick up, I assume?

[@JaffaRoad]

3:39 "A piano is just an accordion that is horizontal rather than vertical". Love it,--- great to run into you here on YT.

[@moshezuchter]

Hi hi!! 👋 Great quote 🤣

[@evanmichael3387]

I've been playing the piano box for 2 & 1/2 years now and am about 1/2 way through P-H Book 3. When practicing I like to combine straight technique practice (scales, drills, etc.), the songs of the P-H books and supplemental materials. Practicing this way forces me to learn new techniques and improve my general playing. I always like to keep my motivation up by learning songs I enjoy playing. Not every song in P-H is all that exciting. There's a new (to me) set of instructional piano accordion videos by Alan Kelly on the Online Academy of Irish Music. Check that out if you want to play Irish music. Thanks, Moshe for providing accordion instruction and best of luck to every person on their accordion journeys.

[@moshezuchter]

Thanks Evan. I've heard good things about Alan Kelly.

[@momokolove]

How bold of you to assume that I'm an adult

[@moshezuchter]

:D I'm still not even sure that *I'm* an adult.

[@iAmMikecool]

mizzmolly lol thanks for sharing your story. I got a good laugh! :)

[@jakkalope2874]

same

[@rickvandam3238]

I wonder is there a mirrored accordeon

[@Littleton3513]

Rick Van Dam you left handed?

[@aspenx1304]

Great video. I just got a accordion. Its a new world to me, but I can play piano. I like to think of this as my portable piano. I am a adult mom. I love music, im learning Guitar & Cello too.

[@fernandocadena_]

amazing explanation! I am from Brazil and here we use accordion in a lot of rythms

[@Goldies24]

If you play some piano - the accordion keyboard is the easier part - (at least for me). You just can't look at the keys as you would a piano. The buttons are harder as all you have is a detent marker on the C chord. You can't see or feel where you're going if you have to span mutiple buttons eg from an Eb to an A. Playing 7th chords is abit awkward as you have to stretch your fingers to the bottom button chords. Plus you have to be able to play fast cadences on the buttons with your left hand fingers - different from the piano. I do like how the buttons are in a "Cirle of 5ths" order. F > C > G > D... so your left hand is not jumping around too much. Awesome instrument.

[@moshezuchter]

Yup, agree. Knowing piano helps with the right hand a lot.

[@gyp3xp48]

I've been playing the accordion almost 30 years and still learning. At what stage are you able to play the accordion? Well, you might as well ask, 'How long is a piece of string'? How well do you want to play the accordion? That should be the question.

[@moshezuchter]

Well said!!!

[@accordionchick]

Good video! My husband and i are both 65. He started learning accordion via accordion teacher and reading notes a year and a half ago. I started at the same time but like yourself, I can’t read notes and I play totally by ear. Frustratingly so, I have 90 tunes I can play proficiently on my accordion, but he is still having a hard time playing with out the music and “hearing” the tune in his head. So I feel like I’m way ahead of him. I ask him if he can hear a tune in his head and he says he does not hear anything...... I will hear a tune play over and over in my head while I sleep and the next day I can play it. Do we just have different learning modes in our brains?? We both practice 2-3 hours a day for the last 1.5 years.

[@moshezuchter]

Oh wow, that's a lot of practicing and playing. I've had students who really "can't hear" the song in their head and have a hard time improvising. It takes them a little longer to play a song and they need the notes. I'm not sure of the reason - I'd be interested in hearing from more people, or seeing what researchers into the topic have found. At the end of the day we all play music we enjoy (I hope!) but I'm in the same boat as you - I have this large repertoire that's constantly in my head and in my instrument and sometimes have a hard time playing with people who need notes. Thanks for sharing and keep learning!

[@rictrexell2118]

SC Johnson: May I suggest that your husband try to play songs he knows that he has heard all his life. Such as God Bless America, or The Sound of Music. Old Ang Sigh, (I have no idea how to spell it, but the one they play on New Years made famous by Guy Lombardo). That might train his ear to know where the notes are and these simple songs will encourage him to move on to other songs.

[@iplayzthegames6968]

I feel like playing by ear is easier than sheet music. I've learnt guitar, ukulele and piano and feel that finding some chord progressions for a song then noodling around with the melody is far easier than sheet music. Tab is beautifully simply to read but I've never been able to get my head round stave. Really struggled having to write on a stave for GCSE. Found a program that converts tab to stave lol

[@melissasinclair9303]

I just found this and then other videos by Moshe/Ronen, including the subscription which I will sign up for as soon as I have the accordion. And I have to say I'm super impressed. I looked into getting an accordion 2 years ago and in the end, decided on a diatonic accordion because of weight. I didn't get very far because too few people can play it and I found the inability to just PLAY super frustrating. I couldn't play in any ensemble even for a single piece because it was written in a different key! So, I just started looking again at an accordion. My grandmother played professionally. I played the French Horn through college. I love PLAYING music and I want an instrument I can just pick up and play. I don't know the theory. I don't understand chords and progressions, etc. I'm musical, but not trained classically and just needed to break it down. This gives me hope. I'm looking at a couple of accordions this week and then I'm jumping in. I'm so happy to have found this site and THANK YOU for making it - and for making it feel approachable, doable... I can't wait to get started and thank you for turning on the love of music AND the accordion!

[@moshezuchter]

Awesome, Melissa! Congratulations. Keep up the enthusiasm and let me know if you have any questions once you get going.

[@maryshelley123]

I really needed this video right now to calm me down and not let me give up on the accordion! Just finished practicing, overly frustrated with how I play.

[@moshezuchter]

Totally understandable. Put down the accordion, try again the next day. Sometimes it's just not meant to be. I have frustrating sessions in *everything* in life, not just a new instrument. Parenting, work, gardening, self.... sometimes it's a good idea to just step back and try again the next day. Hang in there :)

[@maryshelley123]

@@moshezuchter you are right! thank you for what you do, your videos are really inspiring!

[@pegjones7682]

Moshe you are soooo motivating ,I hope can master the accordian with your help

[@moshezuchter]

You can do it!! 🙌

[@iliterallycantdeal6122]

I play piano guitar and percussion and I really want to try to learn this too!

[@scorilosdec]

excellent and very good approach . Congrats ,I m your fan for about couples of years

[@cicreate5761]

I am already good at piano already, and can read sheet music rather well, so I guess I'm set up pretty well!!

[@moshezuchter]

For sure! Give it a try. The transition should be easier than if you were starting from scratch.

[@yazbethtorreblancahernande5678]

You are amazing, I feel with hope and motivated, I tried playing it 30 yrs ago by force, but now I feel that I will like and how found the taste for it. Thanks!!!

[@moshezuchter]

👏👏 awesome! Good attitude! Give it a go! Let me know if you have any questions. Ronen @ accordionlove.com

[@godrilla5549]

Thanks man, been thinking of picking this up. I like playing the banjo, but for some reason i always long for accordian.

[@moshezuchter]

It's such a fun instrument!

[@bredbasket]

im trying to learn alot of regional mexican music.. hope this works!

[@moshezuchter]

Yup, works for all types of music. Once you find these easy, perhaps try playing back simple lines of Mexican music you hear.

[@slam854]

I just ordered a digital accordion and very much wish to learn it. The organ has a Hammond B-3 voice and I love Booker T's Green Onions. I have a target! I will be checking in with you.

[@moshezuchter]

Awesome song.

[@keyboardmamma]

thank goodness my mum made me learn piano from 3 years old now i dont have to struggle so much when i start learning the accordion

[@moshezuchter]

Same! Very thankful for piano lessons at 10 :)

[@alonsuberi7560]

Thanks for the encouragement Moishe! I have been considering buying an accordion and this video makes learning it seem more digestible. Any recommendations on button accordions would be helpful

[@moshezuchter]

Alon, thanks! I don't play button accordion, so unfortunately don't have recommendations. You can call Martin at Tempo Trend Music to get a feel for prices / brands - he's very helpful with no pressure to buy. Good luck!!

[@amygaff6121]

I love playing the accordion I have been playing for 5 years and I am on grade 3

[@moshezuchter]

Super well done! Do you have a favourite song to play?

[@amygaff6121]

@@moshezuchter I love to play pop and I live in ireland so I play Irish songs but I am in the orchestra and we play trentella and Gabriels oboe

[@robt5818]

Thank you Moshe!

[@ConfettiCasket]

I want to learn how to play. It's an enthusiastic instrument for an enthusiastic person like me. I like that it's portable too.

[@sylvicalias]

It's like a pipe organ that can fit in a car

[@BaluLeBear]

You're the most wonderful person in the world

[@Ichigo_Keba]

4- 8 months to learning to play right hand: *cut to me playing Mozart on the piano* Check 2 weeks to learn the left hand button mapping: *cuts to me printing out button map and playing C major scale the getting bored of that then playing a Waltz on the accordion using both hands* uh check (maybe)

[@TaranJHook]

I've played music and various instruments most of my life and one thing I've noticed about learning accordion is I'm having trouble developing the coordination to play both the bass and melody at the same time. I can drone on chords fine to back the melody or play bass patterns on their own, but when it comes to doing both bass and melody my hands suddenly don't know what to do, even if I'm solid on my right hand/melody part. I don't know what else to do other than go SUPER slow and try to coordinate a bass button with a melody key and try to get them to change at the same time. Is it better to learn them together or try to develop them separate until it becomes muscle memory? This seems like the one hurdle I'm struggling with; I hope these online lessons are able to help.

[@moshezuchter]

I have JUST the thing for you. You're not alone in that coordination trouble. Here's a guide I wrote: accordionlove.com/the-how-to-guide-to-coordinating-your-hands-on-the-accordion/

[@TaranJHook]

@@moshezuchter You rock, thank you!

[@TaranJHook]

@@moshezuchter I checked your link out last night and the good news is a lot of the steps you listed sounded familiar; I've been breaking things down super slow, trying to isolate the left and right hand to establish muscle memory and very slowly putting stuff together. That's good I'm at least on the right track and my lack of coordination isn't from doing anything wrong, I just need to spend more time with it. I'm learning a lot of trad irish tunes which are pretty repetitive- I just have to translate what I know from fiddle into the accordion. Your lessons so far have been nicely filling in the gaps where I've been needing help.

[@TaranJHook]

@@moshezuchter I'm sharing your videos with a new friend I met while on the road (who also wants to learn accordion), saw my old comment and wanted to give a year update. My left hand has definitely improved! I've been adding bass to a lot more of the songs I've been learning (lots of trad. Irish stuff). Still having those moments when my right hand will forget what it's doing when I try to add the left, but that phase is a lot shorter and I've figured out how to break down a song to build up the coordination faster. Been working on some of my own music for my band as well as toying around with some Flogging Molly. 🤘😁

[@moshezuchter]

@@TaranJHook that's awesome to hear! Love receiving these updates. Thanks!!

[@HeavymetalHylian]

I've been playing piano for 20 years. I've always wanted to learn accordion and I'm thinking it's time I start. Is it true that knowing how to play, read music, and by ear for piano will make learning accordion easy? I am asking because I have seen people suggest going with all buttons for beginners.

[@moshezuchter]

Good question. For learning piano accordion, having knowledge of the piano is a HUGE benefit. Meaning, the right hand is the same. Just laid out vertically instead of horizontally. The left hand stradella system isn't difficult to learn. You can watch some of my videos where I teach others and they get the basics within the first lesson.

[@HeavymetalHylian]

@@moshezuchter thank you for the response!

[@umiphos]

finally, a tutorial to improve my right hand techhnique

[@fiskmactaggert5030]

my issue is the left hand ive been playing the piano for over a decade and i find the right hand quite easy

[@listairgin]

Excellent tips and advice, thank you very much 🌌💕🌠🕊

[@moshezuchter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@harry688]

Great video Sir! Very helpful; thank you! 👍🙂

[@RoyalDelux]

I gave myself a few years so this is optimistic!

[@kaku_zato]

I am interested in trying to learn this instrument. I have some experience about piano playing, with some lessons and playing on my own. But at the moment I do not have a possibility to get a teacher for this instrument especially. I searched some accordions and Startone Piano Accordion 72 looks good in my mind. But I have no clue really. It is relatively cheap compared to other options, but not the cheapest one. My idea is to not spend thousands for an instrument if I get bored eventually, but I still want to be able (at least in theory) any song I want. There were some other options with less left hand keys and more left hand keys but I do not know how much of a difference they make in the end.

[@moshezuchter]

72 bass buttons should be more than enough. Have a look at this section for other questions about starting accordionlove.com/accordion-lessons/before-you-begin-playing/

[@gyp3xp48]

I was not wishing to sound facetious. I take my instrument, my accordion very seriously. As you may know, the instrument is played by some superb musicians, especially the freebass variety(Bayan) in Russia and Ukraine. This facet of the instrument is not known to the general public in the West generally, which is a crying shame. Best Wishes to you.

[@keathdavid]

This is just great!

[@ckimchi]

Thank you for this! This is a great video.

[@LaLeeRu]

I love these suggestions!

[@jordanlivesey4715]

given that I can already play the piano as I have been playing keyboard for a long time, I feel I need to get a grip with the left hand base parts, I have 2 songs in mind when I eventually do manage to get an accordion, one of them is the northumberland waltz in g major

[@ABIHUTORRES]

Saludos desde México.

[@slipperysloth4285]

Wait my boy my accordion don’t have a piano. I got buttons there and also I’m trying to learn Mexican music so it’s probably different i don’t know honestly

[@moshezuchter]

Congrats!! Mexican music on the accordion is 🔥🔥 I would use a similar practice routine, meaning, left hand techniques, right hand techniques, and then songs. Details will be different but the idea is the same. Good luck!!!

[@oscarburr11]

How hard would it be to learn, for a very experienced pianist?

[@moshezuchter]

Took me a few weeks. Your right hand should be a direct transfer. Left hand technique will be quick. Putting hands together will take a few weeks

[@ghollisjr]

I noticed that your accordion bellows gradually open when you take your left hand off of it, but mine generally just stays in place. Is this a safety feature to prevent the bellows from being damaged by pressure on the reeds?

[@moshezuchter]

I think your accordion is doing what it's supposed to do. Mine has a small leak which causes the bellows to leak air at a faster pace.

[@JourneysEndLofts]

Hi Moshe, my name is Andrew i love you teaching , I have a little problem i am a complete beginner i have an accordion, however the one i,m using is for right handed wich i am , however i have three black keys at the top instead of two like yours i find it difficult to follow your instuctions can you advise me please ,, Thank you .

[@moshezuchter]

Hmm... It sounds like it's a normal keyboard, just starting at a different note. Each accordions right hand keyboard will start at a different note. Does it look like a piano keyboard? Meaning, two black Keys, three black Keys, then two black Keys again, etc.

[@JourneysEndLofts]

@@moshezuchter Hi Ronan , thank you for your reply ,, yes it is a piano key board with 3 back keys at the top then just below two black keys ,, i find it very easy to follow your instructions , I will follow your videos right from the beginning ,, Thank you .

[@bobthetacotruckguy509]

I'm looking to start playing accordion, and I can play some piano. What are your thoughts on whether I should get an accordion with keys or buttons? Is there any benefits for one or the other, besides that I can already play the keys? Is there some amazing benefit to learning to play the buttons? Are the buttons easy to learn?

[@moshezuchter]

So I only play piano accordion, have never played the button accordion. But having played piano before you'll have a much easier time getting started. Meaning, it's the same instrument as a piano, just vertical.

[@bobthetacotruckguy509]

@@moshezuchter Okay, thank you.

[@superultimateeasterneurope4111]

I've been playing guitar for almost 10 years now so can I transfer my guitar knowledge I've played the piano for maybe 2 years so can I use all that knowledge to learn the accordion?

[@moshezuchter]

Yes for sure. Depends on what you've been learning but in general the right hand of the piano is directly transferrable to the accordion. Your knowledge of chords and the general "forms" of songs should help you, too. Go for it!!

[@cherylwurtenberger7963]

I have a quick question, would my homer jr be ok to use for the beginning classes?

[@moshezuchter]

Yup! How many bass keys does it have? Over 40 and you should be good to go!

[@dennisharrington6055]

Thanks. Anybody named Moshe and sounds Canadian gotta be a GOOD accordion guy. My 2nd attempt to learn, DECADES (a lifetime, actually) since... lucked out, found a buzzard brand 72 bass p... accordion cheap - ok, the middle G(?) is froggy, but it adds character. Downloaded free lessons. Very unaccomplished so far, but the exit piece (USMC hymn) is DOWN. Chicken Dance challenge late next summer. Life is good. Ey.

[@mohamedzaflanseedin6102]

Sir hello..how are you? I want to ask one question that is what is the use of making accordions without full octave notes on the bass side??? I mean for example..in 32 bass accordion you get only 8 notes..another example is on D major scale b minor chord is there..but you dont get b note on a 32 bass accordion…thanks.

[@ajaxronanpatrick150]

does having a long time in piano lessons give one a leg up on mstering a key accordion?

[@moshezuchter]

It did for me, for sure. It should make the right hand easier.

[@vaclavm4647]

So natural... Nice thanks...

[@moshezuchter]

Thanks, though it did take years of practice for it to get smooooth

[@vaclavm4647]

@@moshezuchter For sure. Can you please give me one little advice? I cant figure out of what i should deny my left hand if i need to down by 3 stones? For example from Aminor to Fmajor on bass... Its will be greatful from you... Otherwise keep your work its really helpful.. Have a nice day guy

[@moshezuchter]

The jump from Am to F is quite large, but is used often. I would suggest really mastering the smaller distances first. So, play Am to D major correctly 10 times. Then, Am to G 10 times, no mistakes. Then Am to C 10 times, no mistakes. If you make a mistake go back to the beginning. Only then move on to Am to F. It's a good exercise - progress from small to large jumps. Also, use the little indent in your C major to guide your finger to the F major... go slowly at first, and increase speed only when you get 10 correctly.

[@vaclavm4647]

@@moshezuchter Thanks for reply. This jumps i can play i have problem with large jumps down (to the ground) but i will keep practicing... Thanks

[@spicymchaggis7602]

I didn't have Internet when I first learned to play and I play mine backwards/upsidedown! Should I keep going or try the right way?

[@moshezuchter]

Hmm.... not sure. You mean you're playing the bass side with your right hand and the melody with your left? If it works for you, great, keep at it. But if you're struggling, then now's a good time to switch.

[@spicymchaggis7602]

@@moshezuchter Yes I play bass with right hand keys with left! It works fine for me. I didn't know which way it was supposed to be held but that way felt so natural!

[@moshezuchter]

@@spicymchaggis7602 wow! I think you have something special there... Like playing a guitar behind your back :) if it's not slowing you down, keep at it, though you can ignore the fingering instructions on all the lessons out there

[@spicymchaggis7602]

@@moshezuchter Thanks! I still try my best to follow along. Just takes a few extra minutes of thinking!!!! I have always wanted an instructor to learn to play properly so I'm really enjoying these videos!

[@strangescribe1]

Great advice. I picked up two cheap accordions to save money while I learned. One is a 12 bass, the other is a Lorenzo 24 bass, which looks beautiful on the outside but does not play all that good. Can I get started with a twelve? - as I don't want to make a big financial purchase just yet as new accordions are very expensive.

[@moshezuchter]

Hey Kevin, I would consider a 12-bass a fun accordion to have around, but very limited in terms of what you'll be able to play. For example, all of the songs on this channel, except maybe one, would require three rows on the left hand (the key, its major, and its minor). Your accordion - the left hand, specifically - is missing the minor of the key. Have you tried craigslist, or a maybe a music shop that rents accordions? Even a "broken" 48 bass accordion would be more effective to learn on, since even if the bass keys don't work, at least you can get your fingers moving along to the bass patterns. Don't mean to dissuade you from trying. I would keep it, but it wouldn't be the first accordion I played on.

[@strangescribe1]

thanks. I'll battle on with the old Lorenzo for now.

[@leeknivek]

i started with a 12-bass but outgrew it in about about two weeks and went out and bought a used 120-bass.

[@EvelynH-tj1qt]

Do you think it will take less time if I already know how to play an instrument? it did while I learned guitar but that was because it was also a string instrument, which I am familiar with.

[@moshezuchter]

I think it depends... Probably the most applicable things are (1) understanding that music is made from notes and chords and (2) understanding that learning an instrument takes time, and that you get incrementally better over time.

[@bl0ss0mshum4n]

Me, having been trying to teach myself for years : "4 -8 MONTHS!?" I got kicked out of piano class when I was a kid for learning Banjo Kazooie songs on keyboard ... By ear. 😒 She flipped out bc I didn't have the sheet music lol

[@moshezuchter]

I never learned to read sheet music :/ but my teacher encouraged me to play by ear. Keep at it!

[@thetwins5341]

Fantastic 👌🏼🙌🏻

[@anonymouscitizen7282]

I Just Bought An Accordian Spanish Music Was The Only Thing My Family Had Left Now Everyone's Gone Now The Accordian Is The Only Thing I Have Left

[@maximilienrobespierre7927]

Would the piano-related tips apply for an accordion that has buttons instead of piano keys, like the diatonic or the Russian Bayan?

[@moshezuchter]

Yes, I believe so. I think it applies across instruments. I have a few students who play button accordions and the lessons around "musicality" apply to them, too. Obviously the hand shapes and finger movements are different, but the general principles apply.

[@maximilienrobespierre7927]

@@moshezuchter Thanks for the tip. I bought a Hohner Panther yesterday and am starting to learn it.

[@neyserlot8449]

How long would you say it takes to be able to play without looking down at the keys? I’m interested in learning but I’m worried that I won’t be able to see them 😥

[@moshezuchter]

It depends on the player's level of comfort. I think after a day, even, you could/should be able to play an oom-pa pattern without looking down, in one key.

[@kemae]

Hey! I really like this video, but have a few questions... (Foreword) I've been playing piano for 6-7 years now, and am going into AP music theory as a freshman I really want to be able to play the accordion at a 'virtuoso level', and I was thinking of getting a professional private teacher- do you recommend this? The 4-8 months mentioned in the video I would assume is for basic songs and sheet music, but I'm thinking of playing things like the Säkkijärven Polkka... anyway, thanks for the great video! -SeeminglyChemical

[@moshezuchter]

Hey, so it really depends on the person. A private teacher is always a good idea, through you may have difficulty in finding a decent accordion teacher in your area. If you play piano already, especially at a college level, then the instrument shouldn't be too difficult to pick up

[@kemae]

@@moshezuchter alright, thanks! I'm just going to practice it and try to get as good as possible in the next 4 years

[@maggiewood4332]

Thank you for this

[@mandydiepstraten8556]

Ty

[@slipperysloth4285]

Fuck now I gotta learn the piano😭

[@moshezuchter]

😄 never been a better time to start than today!

[@Rad18238]

Hi moshe..sadly there are no accordion instructor in where i lived. I have little to basic knowledge in piano but i have been wanting to play the accordion. There are no music stores that sells accordion and my only option is amazon. But the major problem is classes. There are none. I have tried looking for online classes but i can't seem to find any. Do you have any suggestions as to what i should do?

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Radbor, with regards to the accordion, have you tried posting a classified ad in the paper or online? Wanted: accordion. As for the teacher, a piano teacher for right hand technique would be a great place to start. I offer online lessons, though not live, at accordionlove.com. Others have success with the Palmer Hughes books which can be bought on Amazon. But first step is to try out an accordion and see where you have difficulty. I'm happy to help once you have some questions.

[@Rad18238]

@@moshezuchter thank you for your suggestions. I will certainly look into it. And as for my questions, i do have a lot. But that is a matter that can be waited. Thank you for taking your time helping me out.

[@Rad18238]

@@moshezuchter i apologise if i sound too formal. It is how i speak.

[@moshezuchter]

@@Rad18238 no problem! Let me know once you find an accordion. Am happy to help any way I can 😊 happy new year!

[@Rad18238]

@@moshezuchter happy new year!

[@rythmicrice471]

How portable is the accordion, I want to be able to carry it whilst outside.

[@moshezuchter]

Depends on the accordion's size, as well as your size. I love carrying my accordion around while playing and strolling. The smaller and lighter the accordion, generally, the easier it is to carry around.

[@christianrincon5697]

Im a guitarist that likes to play Mexican music, and recently i've been wanting to pick up the accordion. Will it be anymore or less difficult than the guitar?

[@moshezuchter]

Good question. What did you find difficult about learning the guitar? What did you find easy? Do you go off sheet music / guitar tab solely, or do you more play by ear? I find the keyboard part of the accordion to be "easy", as well as the left hand chord structure (similar to learning bar chords). The harder part in playing the accordion comes in (1) coordinating both hands together and (2) getting the playing dynamics right so everything doesn't just sound the "same" i.e. loud. That stuff will come with time. Otherwise I find the musical theory aspect of it to be easier than guitar, in that you only have to deal with one "keyboard" for the right hand, as opposed to guitar's six "keyboards" or strings.

[@christianrincon5697]

@@moshezuchter to difficulty of guitar to me is making the chords sound right, and i started out with learning notes but moved on to tabs

[@moshezuchter]

I say give accordion a try if you love it. Rent one or buy a used one. Otherwise, stick with guitar till you're comfortable with it and feel like switching gears to another instrument. Accordion is very doable, but no instrument is easy.

[@benjeyemanp1742]

If I already know the piano, will it be easier?

[@moshezuchter]

Yes. The right hand should be straightforward. It depends on the player, ultimately, with regards to combining hands together. But previous musical knowledge, especially with right-hand finger movement, will help!

[@BRUNOCAPPELLE]

A good piano book is the Alfred method.

[@moshezuchter]

100%

[@AVS569]

Hello, thanks for the lessons. Please tell me the scales. I have played other instruments before. And there was the opportunity to learn one fingering pattern, and by moving it around the instrument, change the key. And on a piano keyboard, it turns out that you need to learn a separate fingering for each scale? Thank you.

[@moshezuchter]

Hi. You can get a book for piano scales - same as accordion. In general, we have one fingering set for scales for most chords (C, A, G, D, F), and another set for irregular chords. There is a free download here: accordionlove.com/how-to-practice-the-accordion/

[@AVS569]

Thank you very much, I'll definitely take a look. You have a good site.

[@michaelcrane1215]

Do you have any recommendation for a decent beginners accordion? Really like watching your videos. Thank you!

[@moshezuchter]

Yeah. I discuss some tips in this video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3fGhH2GnJuJqK8) but in general try renting an accordion to start, look for a used accordion, or if you can afford one, buy a new accordion that sounds pleasing to you. Make and model don't really matter - I started with a terrific 48 button Chinese-made accordion that worked great!

[@michaelcrane1215]

Thanks for your prompt reply and advice.

[@moshezuchter]

Here's an $11 beginner adult piano book on Amazon (a.co/802jJut). I used the same series when I was learning the piano. This is a non-affiliate link, meaning I'm not being paid to endorse this book or making any money of the link... I just really like the Willard A. Palmer books :)

[@amhanson_]

Is teenager "adult" in your opinion to learn accordion?

[@moshezuchter]

Yes. The differentiator to me is WHO is making the decision to take music lessons. The adult is making the decision for themselves. For the child learner, the parent or caregiver typically makes the decision for them. So, the motivation is internal, rather than external.

[@dravirose]

Hi Moshe: Am super-interested in learning your method! I want to get a relatively small/light accordion, what is the minimum number of Bass buttons you recommend for a beginner? Thanks!

[@moshezuchter]

Avi, at a minimum go with 48. 60 ideally. 48 bass button will give you a range of Eb to E major (Eb Bb F C G D A E) which is enough to play 95% of the songs on this channel, and in general.

[@dravirose]

Todah Rabah!

[@rictrexell2118]

Moshe: I took up the accordion a few months ago. I'm 66 and I have been using the Palmer-Hugh's course to learn. My biggest problem is finding the bass keys. I will find myself at times saying, 'this doesn't sound right' and find I was playing the G key when I should have been playing the C key. When I go from say the F key to the G key, well, good luck. I have to hunt around feeling for the C key and then move on from there. I have seen videos where they say to play in front of a mirror, but that is rather confusing too. When I watch pro's play on KZbin videos and they jump from one key to another 10 inches away, I'm amazed as to how they can find a key so fast and so accurately. I don't have much trouble with the treble keys mainly because I can see them. Any ideas as to how you tell 120 keys that look the same, apart?

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Ric, I've been in that same situation! I would say break down the left-hand jumps into micro-exercises and see where the problem arises. First, are you using the correct fingering? If so, use that ring finger to move from C to G. No majors or minors, just move up and down the fret-board trying to stay on the same row. If that goes well, try a C major to G major, back and forth, until there are no mistakes. Try a C to F major, back and forth. I tend to start with C since it's indented, and will help you orient yourself. If that doesn't flow, go back a step, slow down your playing. Hold the accordion up so you can see where your fingers are fumbling (I agree that the mirror is sometimes more confusing than helpful). If those 1-step moves work, move on to a full key jump (e.g. C to D, or F to G), again centering around the C key because of it's indentation. It's these micro-exercises that should get you jumping around the entire bass system, eventually trying (and hitting) that E major to F major jump, etc. which even I miss 4 times out of 5, but am quick to correct :) The good thing is that you're noticing when something sounds *off*. Let me know how it works out.

[@saltnlightful]

I put a little piece of scotch tape on my D bass and a touch of nail polish on the E flat bass and the E bass. Then with the E flat, C (already marked) D and E - I can find my way around more easily.

[@moshezuchter]

Great ideas! Whatever helps your muscles learn, right? Musicians on fretless instruments (like violin, cello, bass) often do the same thing with marking out the frets on their instruments until muscle-memory kicks in.

[@rictrexell2118]

Thanks for getting back to me. I can play the treble side by ear somewhat and have learned some simple songs that don't use the sharps of flats much. My sister and mother (both deceased) played the piano and organ having never taken lessons. Mom even wrote 30 songs with the help of my computer and her midi keyboard. Your method sounds good and I'll spend part of my practice sessions doing that. I do think you hit it on the head when you spoke about keeping the fingers in place. My fingers cheat at times. That throws me off. Both my mom and sis wished they knew how to read music. That encouraged me to learn to read it as best I can. Thanks again. Ric in Wisconsin, (otherwise known as God's country).

[@jimtobler2636]

Ric Trexell this guy doesn't know how to hold the accordion . But then he doesn't have a real accordion, only a weltmeister !

[@mariancucu902]

Dear Moshe, after i succeeded to combine left hand with right hand, and i realised a song, many acctualy, i realized that if i want to play a different rithm, i can not. I have to work hard again for a new rithm to combine it? It will take same as first time ? :(

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Marian. Which song are you trying to play now? Yes, I find that it takes some more time to go from both hands together on a "simple rhythm" song, to both hands together on a more "complicated rhythm" song. See my virtual accordion lesson with Yuval and Isaac. The simple rhythm song happens with some effort, while the more complicated rhythm (fitting two notes on the right in one note on the left) takes more effort and more practice. The good thing is, once it *clicks* it's there for good! So yes, it takes more time for both hands to register a new rhythm, but once you *get it*, other rhythms will come more easily.

[@mariancucu902]

Moshe, a play a simple base song Bella Ciao, and i can play also fast, no problem. But if i try to play waltz, i can not :)

[@moshezuchter]

Yup. So in a song like Bella Ciao, you have a "straight" connection between the bass and the melody. Meaning, for every note in the melody, there is a beat in the left hand. You just keep playing both hands at the same time and they are in synch. With some waltzes, the right hand plays more notes than the left hand. There is lots of "room" there. I have some exercises on my site where you hold down the right hand melody for different amount of beats - some long, some short - but in reality, that syncopated rhythm - the "and" between the beats - needs to happen. Send me an email ([e-mail]) and I'll show you an exercise.

[@engineertechno5108]

What if I'm using a button only accordion? Like a Russian Bayan

[@moshezuchter]

I'm not sure, as I've never tried it. I assume it would be easier with some musical background.

[@simonemastrovito6315]

Going to assume that having played the piano for 16 years is going to help a bit

[@moshezuchter]

Yup

[@apandus]

Sir thank u very much for your sessions i am from india i have 12base accordion i am a left hander i play songs on accordion but I don't how to play bases with right hand .kindly help me can I play with left hand with keys and right with bases

[@moshezuchter]

Anand, do you have a photo of your accordion, or a name and model number? I've always wondered how left-handed people approach the accordion, and if left-handed accordions are made. Are you holding the accordion backwards/upside-down?

[@cemrecakoglu6095]

What if you already know how to play piano? How long do you think it would take to learn a specific song?

[@moshezuchter]

I played piano before picking up the accordion. I took me those 3-4 hours to learn the left-hand bass system and the right-hand came pretty quickly... depends on how well versed your right-hand is on the piano. I assume in a few days to a few weeks you can be playing some of the songs you play on piano on the accordion. A big part will be coordinating right and left hand rhythms, and choosing songs that are made up of simple chord changes to start.

[@cemrecakoglu6095]

Thanks for answering, I'll probably get into learning in a month or two. Also wanted to add that your videos always put a smile on my face so thank you again, for posting them and keeping on with a positive attitude :)

[@leahmoraes7546]

Will you be doing anymore accordion tutorials to popular accordion covers?

[@moshezuchter]

Yup! Just wanted to get this video recorded and posted :)

[@Harmonikaklange]

Find a piano book? Find a piano teacher? Nah, Find the Palmer Accordion Method and find an online accordion teacher.

[@maheshsalomon6939]

Sir i have accordian casino made in italy do you have a simple tips to learn accordian

[@moshezuchter]

Yup, this is what this channel and what AccordionLove.com is all about

[@Bulkinpv]

Thx for video. I try to practice one hour a day