Virtual Accordion Lesson - Introduction and Lesson 1

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3:22 Left Hand Basics
4:34 Left Hand Major Chords
5:54 Left Hand Minor Chords
12:00 Right Hand Basics / Theory
14:02 Building Major and Minor Chords
15:17 Explaining Triads and Arpeggios
24:54 Ear Training Exercises
28:11 Q&A

[@moshezuchter]

We had dinner with our friends Yuval and Isaac a few weeks ago, and they said they always wanted to learn to play the accordion. I said I'd teach them if I could film our lessons and track their progress on my KZbin channel. They agreed. Here are the results :)

[@bobby1985]

Wow! Seeing the way you teach, and what an accordion can do... I need to get one to join the lessons.

[@sufiland34]

I want to join for basic lessons. Where can I buy a ladys light weight Accordion?

[@moshezuchter]

@@sufiland34 check out another one of my videos on how-to buy a used accordion. Martin from Tempo Trend can help you out

[@dcorrette]

I'm watching , listening and playing along with you with my 12 bass 25 piano key accordion. . So far I'm getting it. Hey How about that!!! says Judy Corrette

[@digvijayparmar8349]

I appreciate what you doing the best and we love the way you doing your job I appreciate from Charlotte North Carolina United States of America my kids are learning from you😊😊😊😊😊 and I appreciate and thank you

[@BogdanGabrielMarinica]

It was so pleasing hearing english speakers say DO RE MI FA SOL instead of the letter notation. I always struggle with the letters and its nice seeing someone from the other side trying lool

[@minermike61]

I only learned last year that this was how they use the scale on your side of the world. I had to learn the lettered way.

[@frankie7torres]

I came upon your channel last night I am already loving it man.

[@moshezuchter]

Wicked!! Enjoy and thanks for watching!

[@ms711x]

I started my Accordion journey 3 years ago, with no music background. Having a teacher was the key to success because he kept me on track and progressing every week with daily practice and lots of motivation.

[@kellymccance1962]

I've played multiple instruments over my time on earth and have purchased a old Titano accordion. Thank you for your help!

[@alimemari1646]

Wow just wanted to say thank you.. this stuff is excellent cause it's the real world experience with a real student learning from scratch..

[@moshezuchter]

Thanks Ali!

[@sherree10]

How did I miss this? Loved every minute. Good pupil and great teacher.

[@jenodonnell14]

This is really helpful for me, have been taking lessons for several mos and sometimes I need to review the basics or just see it through another teacher's and student's eyes to relearn it and then it's solidified, so thanks for posting these :)

[@moshezuchter]

Happy to hear it's helpful. Thanks!

[@dimitriskavvadias9957]

The best lessons I’ve ever seen!!!

[@tipico71]

Dang, just got my own accordion yesterday, and honestly, your channel deserves WAY more attention. You’re totally awesome at it! I’m taking lessons with the shop owner I got mine from. Apparently his uncle was one of the best accordionists in the world, and he’s got lots of experience with it, and his dad played it too. Besides that, it’s also helpful watching some videos like these along with my irl lessons. The video quality is just so nice, you speak clearly, and everything is overall really great! Keep it up man 👌👌👌 Really liking the accordion so far. ((The accordion apparently was owned for a few short months by someone before they fell ill and handed it to the guy’s shop, it’s a 72 bass so it’s kinda heavy, particularly for me since I’m not an adult man, and it’s also big compared to my average height lmao. The brand is Rossetti, and it sounds really nice! Your videos are truly an inspiration to me and your talent really shows! Sorry for the long comment, hehe, but I just really wanted to put it out there. :-)

[@moshezuchter]

Congrats on the accordion and lessons! Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy your accordion journey 😊

[@maddogk9493]

Thanks for the long story. I liked it. Hope you find mine. And enjoy it as well. 👍

[@KizetteandTotoro]

What an amazing teacher you are. And to start learning Shostakovich no less…what a treat! Your friend is a pro. I thoughroughly enjoyed it. Thanks (Subcribed immediately , of course)

[@kowhort]

I was trained using Palmer Hughes. Haven't picked up an accordion in decades. That will change soon. Thanks for the heads-up about Trend music!

[@MrCoolbeanstogo]

awesome video, thank you. I've been looking for this for ever.

[@ricardor6388]

One minute in the video : I LOVE the idea!!!!!

[@amandap998]

Good morning, this is perfectly helpful! I cannot wait to take this journey on my heritage accordion.

[@moshezuchter]

Great to hear, Amanda! Let me know if you have any questions

[@amandap998]

@@moshezuchter yes thank you. Stay safe stay healthy ❤

[@christophermarcy597]

Wonderful lesson. I have a 50 year old accordion that belonged to my mother in law's brother and just dusted the mold off. It's an amazing instrument. Plus, who the hell downvotes videos like this?

[@moshezuchter]

Ooh, good find! Hope the accordion still works!

[@congerscott6064]

If it smells like mildew when you play it just spray about 1/2 a can of lemon scented lysol in it, it worked for me, now my room is filled with bad sounds and fresh lemon scent 👍😃.

[@michaelbell4108]

This was great to find thanks Ronen. It's a great way to learn by just watching one of your lessons with a student. I find the buttons a little close together (sausage fingers?) so I find I need to lift the l.h. fingers a bit for each change of chord. The om-pa-pa metre I find a bit tiring so trying 4/4 melodies at present. The music of Piazzolla is an inspiration for me, though tricky.

[@moshezuchter]

Glad it was helpful, Michael. I'd love to do more of them. And yeah - use whatever fingering method works for you, as long as you are consistent. Part of learning is just getting accustomed to that hand position and spacing of the buttons. Enjoy!

[@patballenphd]

this is very helpful. I am reticent to play in front of anyone. But seeing this guy, it is not so bad.

[@mayanlogos92]

great, so glad to see such a good teacher on youtube

[@moshezuchter]

Thank you for watching 🙏 let me know if you have any questions 🙂

[@HeikoGellert]

That is a great idea... follow you. Greetings from Germany

[@littlegamer-7374]

Accordion is a great and a hard instrument and now no one is playing soo i need to learn it

[@Steve-pq1nx]

this is very good for the guy who want to learn by themselves, thank you

[@zoepardee9545]

I really dug this lesson. It has inspired me to learn this tune by Shostakovich on my own accordion.

[@moshezuchter]

Awesome, Zoe! Go for it! Lovely tune. Let me know if you have any questions

[@zoepardee9545]

@@moshezuchter Coolio. I'm excited to give it a try. Will do.

[@eihababouhamed9226]

you are a great person.. thank you from Syria

[@moshezuchter]

:) hi from Canada :)

[@chrissiekeelanmagicvegan9781]

Thank you! This is really helpful, and very much appreciated. x😊x

[@moshezuchter]

Very welcome!

[@38scsharma]

Hello Sir - I have always maintained that you are one of the finest accordion Instructor and a player. Your explanations are so 'simple' and that is what makes your tutorials so motivating. Your enthusiasm is very 'catchy' and that captivates those who wish to learn this 'king of all instruments' - the one man orchestra as accordion is often called. Please keep up the good work - you are simply a 'natural' Instructor !!! Warm Regards.

[@moshezuchter]

Thank you so much 😊❤️

[@magnussen9388]

S Sharma if one was one on one

[@sulfurousstench]

Thank you this is so helpful to watch!

[@maddogk9493]

I hope your Accordion lessons get me back on track. I played as a youngster. 7yrs old-18yrs old+ . All my lessons were reported as (very very good excellent and outstanding). Played numerously accordion festivals made recordings and performed on TV several times. Trophies no problem. After the military I married an accordion player as well. Sounds Great Right? Big mistake. Divorced and retired now. I need some lessons, get me back on track. Would be nice if that's the last thing I do. 🙏

[@moshezuchter]

Hey Don Padro, that's quite a history! The technique should come back to you with a bit of practice. Let me know how I can help, or if there's a song or technique you're working on. Thanks for the comment!

[@maddogk9493]

@@moshezuchter Hallo! Moshe Zuchter; Thank you for your response. My Dream would be to be able to play my accordion "again" I'll get back to you. Thank you so much.🙏

[@MiguelBricaBrac]

Great idea. I will follow along with my accordion.

[@DJTabooMixTypeBeat]

Thanks for the VDO, adult beginner here.

[@poosuntwees]

Exactly what I've been looking for, thank you :)

[@VolkanAkdamar]

You are a great teacher and a great person I guess. :)

[@moshezuchter]

🙏 😊 thanks!

[@raajeevvbhalla7847]

That’s really helpful! God bless you

[@keyboardmamma]

Hey! I've been watching your videos lately and am thoroughly enjoying them. I'm now looking to start learning to play but I'm abit overwhelmed in terms of what i should buy, like should I get a used accordion? new? what brands are good and which ones to look out for and avoid, etc. I was just wondering if you'd be able to answer those when your not busy?

[@moshezuchter]

Hey, I have a few videos on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2Xbg5SZmpyBh7c In general, I've enjoyed all the accordions I've bought, from cheapo used ones made in China, to slightly less used cheaper ones made in Germany and Italy. I have no brand preference. Get one with at least 48 bass buttons to have some range, and otherwise, just make sure it works. Martin (in the video above) provides a good working one for around $300 CAD, though search your local classifieds as well. May be a little harder with physical distancing orders in place, so make sure you ask for a video/audio sample. Good luck and enjoy!

[@keyboardmamma]

@@moshezuchter Thank you!

[@belladogga1]

thank you from Australia

[@moshezuchter]

Very welcome from Vancouver Island, Canada. Let me know if you have any questions 😊

[@mehmetaydemir9940]

Hodja, I play many instruments without instruments, I cannot use the left hand in the accordion, this instrument is not common, you have prepared a beautiful video, I'll try to see what I do. Thank you, thank you.

[@moshezuchter]

Great, Mehmet. Take your time. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@mehmetaydemir9940]

@@moshezuchter Thank You 🇹🇷👍

[@emmaduncan4093]

Where is the second? Love your work

[@calebp6667]

This is cool, Thankyou !

[@moshezuchter]

Thanks!

[@fernandogomez1248]

Cheers! I’m subscribed 100 credits 👍🏿👍👍🏾👍🏻👍🏽👍🏼

[@janetbayanes6034]

I am planning to buy an accodion. First time but very motivated by my dad's memory of playing accordion. what is the best accordion for beginners.

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Janet, I have a few videos on my site with recommendations about buying your first accordion. Everything from size to price: accordionlove.com/accordion-lessons/before-you-begin-playing/ The "Getting your first accordion" section

[@danielattilaFriedvolleKrieger]

Thank you this is very helppful

[@errolgumusdere7853]

I kept my left hand on the table and um pa pa um pa pa up and down the bass scale about a month including in my sleep lol. I can do 2nd waltz as well. GO R lol

[@moshezuchter]

Awesome!! lol

[@hazellangley2365]

Please show me some left hand

[@johnchamichyan]

Good instructor

[@aspenx1304]

This is awesome

[@dcorrette]

Love it and you make it easy to understand. What is that waltz that you are playing?? asks Judy Corrette

[@moshezuchter]

Thanks Judy. It's Shastakovich's second waltz. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hanJmJ2tZ69_jJY

[@dilipkumardas8207]

FIRST ROW OF BASS CLEF 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH AND 6TH IS GOOD TEACHING AND SCALES PRACTICE .

[@morgantaylormoore9385]

Thank you

[@raseshgandhi6702]

Thank you so much sir

[@user-rc1sm7fd5l]

I suppose that it takes more time to rich high results with piano keys compare with button keys option

[@markdsiddall]

Hi Ronen, love the videos! you mentioned that using fingers 2 and 3 on the bass side is an older method, but I have been watching many KZbin demo videos on Liberty Bellows, and it seems like many of those have player using those fingers. Is there some advantage to using 3 and 4? I purchased an old Palmer instruction book, and they basically show both ways.

[@moshezuchter]

Hey Mark, I made a video with the answer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWK7iWynhZ2ro8k Essentially, use whatever method feels best for you. I like the fourth finger as it allows for easier "alternate" bass technique, personally. But really, it's up to you ☺️

[@markdsiddall]

Thanks, Ronen!

[@markdsiddall]

Ronen, do you have an email address?

[@moshezuchter]

@@markdsiddall yeah! [e-mail]

[@mpumeleloist]

WHAT A NICE HUMAN BEING

[@archarandews2431]

Good lesson

[@dannypanix174]

Hey there should be no sound if a button isn't pressed while expanding/contracting the accordian right? I feel like my first accordian might be broken if that's the case 🤔

[@moshezuchter]

Yup, no sound or too much air leak without buttons being pushed

[@pugo7925]

Great idea! Chag sameach ;)

[@moshezuchter]

Thanks! Chag sameach!

[@congerscott6064]

Never tried it but that looks like one hard instrument to play 👍.

[@moshezuchter]

Kinda, sorta, maybe... Easy to make a sound, harder to make musical 😊 but that's true of a lot of instruments. Tons of fun and very versatile, though!

[@ishbelwillow321]

Hi there, just watched your video and it’s super helpful !! Just been given great grandfathers old button accordion ( still works !!) and trying to figure out how to play it - any chance you would be able to do a basic tutorial for button accordions ? Thanks !!

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Ishbel, congrats on the new accordion. Unfortunately I don't know how to play (or teach) the button accordion, but have heard great things about the site Daddy Long Les (www.daddylongles.com/). Give him a try - I think he has some very basic content as well as more advanced songs and techniques on his site. Good luck and enjoy!

[@KizetteandTotoro]

Girl finds grandpa’s accordion ...“It cannot be that hard…” says amateur pianist. Day one: “Holy Moly, thiss weights a ton! “ ten minutes later.. “I love it! KZbin search…”

[@pamelameela]

Just bought my first accordion Hohner starlet 40 and just found you for my first lesson. You've got more buttons and piano keys than me but I'll try to conquer.

[@moshezuchter]

Yes!! Congrats!! Stick with it. Let me know if you have any questions 😊

[@pamelameela]

OK will do.....it's on it's way to me.

[@fernandogomez1248]

Cheers! I’m Fhery! What accordion should I buy, for a beginner ( brands, & F tone)?

[@moshezuchter]

Check out my video on buying used accordions. Depends what's available around you 😊

[@metaphysik8439]

Благодарю!

[@paulhermonsjeyachandran5615]

I'm interested in this instrument but unable to get in India.How much will be the cost of the instrument.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

I just bought an accordion and struggle most with the instrument itself. Not the a circle of fifths, or the major/minor stuff, or the diminished 7th or any of the music stuff. But what angle to hold the left hand so that I’m not tying my fingers in a knot. Or how to manage the breathing. And then there’ll be a big problem teaching my hands to work independently. And why is there not a cup holder on mine? That seems like a design flaw. And when I do finally master this thing, will women chase me around when they see my mad accordion skills?

[@moshezuchter]

😆 taping a cup to the left hand bellows is recommended... Liquid in the cup, not so much. And yes, keep in mind that learning to play music - accordion included - is as much a physical skill as it is mental. Give it time. Patience. Watch others play for that left and right hand positioning. Make sure your straps are adjusted, too.

[@BradfordSwanson]

This is so helpful, thank you!

[@elenad3630]

Can someone please tell me which acoordion what brand is good for de beginners... someone who never played . Based in UK ....

[@moshezuchter]

Any brand will do, really. Check out my videos on how to find a decent accordion: accordionlove.com/course/buying-new-vs-buying-used-accordion/

[@doriseaster5768]

what is a good smaller accordion maybe 24 or 48 base I am older need not too heavy

[@moshezuchter]

Call Martin at Tempo Trend Music and tell him your needs. I think a 48 bass is an ideal size.

[@hamidesmi]

زنده باد ...طوری اموزش میدی من که زبانت رو نمی دونم .آموزشت رو می فهمم ❤❤❤❤❤

[@moshezuchter]

Thank you 🙏🙏

[@guillermovintimilla7324]

Im your student too...🖒

[@michaelharris2640]

I lost my job Jacob in any advice on getting lessons and learning the accordion for free when money is tight and video lessons aren't seeming to help?

[@moshezuchter]

Hey, send me an email, [e-mail]

[@TheDasha53]

Moshe, I see you have a goal for your students to learn a song...my problem is that my accordion is only a 16-bass and I can't get into minors. I really want to learn Long Journey Home its a bluegrass song and is not really your style, but do you think I can try and figure it out by following you along? Also, how do you figure out the bass accompaniments? Thank you and sorry for so many questions in one. - Dasha

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Dasha. Is this the song you're refering to? (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZSVlaCmgrqqibs) If so, then yes, you could theoretically play the song in majors only, on a 16 bass accordion. I haven't tired figuring it out, but it sounds like the chord changes are "traditional", I IV V, or, C F and G, all majors. The more difficult part, I believe, will be figuring out the right hand melody, and playing the song quickly, as bluegrass demands. You'll be limited by your song choices with a 16 bass accordion... my suggestion would be to play as much as you can with your current accordion, but if a larger accordion comes up on your radar (ask your family/friends/community), you should make the switch. Minors make a big difference!

[@MDkid1]

I just want to learn Amelie, and my life is complete :)

[@moshezuchter]

That was my life goal, too!!!

[@steveng7853]

Can some tell me how to put the straps thanks 😊

[@moshezuchter]

Here's a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYrakoOXiKZohM0

[@christinahorsfield2922]

I played the accordian when I was 6 and now I'm an adult I still have my childhood accordian...can you tell me I there is lessons with a small accordian it only has two rows of bases

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Christina, so I assume that the two rows means it's a major chord only accordion. It means your left hand can't play minors, just major chords. I don't have a lesson specific to it unfortunately.

[@aurelianchicheanu5519]

Whats the name of the song he wanted to learn ? At the 3:06

[@moshezuchter]

Shastakovich Waltz No 2

[@kamleshpota8355]

What is the prise?

[@Mybwain]

What accordion should I buy?

[@moshezuchter]

Please see my other video kzbin.info/www/bejne/sF7XpaGPr8SfoKc

[@alexanderyeboah1986]

Key c minor,b

[@raktimparashar]

nice

[@Zjudoransj]

Do you also teach a double bass accordion?

[@moshezuchter]

No, I've never played a double bass accordion. Sorry.

[@Zjudoransj]

Moshe Zuchter sorry, I meant a double buttonned accordion

[@moshezuchter]

@@Zjudoransj no, I wish I learned how to play one myself 😊

[@moshezuchter]

@@Zjudoransj try daddy long les

[@hazelannmcdonald8848]

Wat is the cost I will like to get one please thanks

[@moshezuchter]

I don't sell accordions 🤷‍♂️

[@Alexandra-ek6bb]

Where can i get an accordion like yours?

[@moshezuchter]

I bought mine used from Facebook Marketplace. Here is a guide on buying used accordions: accordionlove.com/course/buying-new-vs-buying-used-accordion/

[@Alexandra-ek6bb]

@@moshezuchter thank you! This was very helpful.

[@alexanderyeboah1986]

Please I enjoyed the learning but I want to know about the keys

[@moshezuchter]

Which keys?

[@alexanderyeboah1986]

C minor b

[@moshezuchter]

@@alexanderyeboah1986 the song is in Cm, yes. The sheet music and lesson is up at accordionlove.com

[@SoggySandwich80]

It came a bit quicker to me, I’ve been playing piano and organ for 4 years and guitar for 2. if you never picked up an instrument it will take you a very Long time to learn accordion

[@TylerS9812]

Yeah haha been playing electric guitar, acoustic, and piano for a while now and dang dude it’s not any hard than either of those. Using guitar dexterity and piano theory I can practically play whatever I want. Just gotta get some technique in there

[@shibby22]

Shalom alechem

[@techservices7028]

can you take big pictures on your hand. we can not see where you push. or add some additional explanation to this video? thanks.

[@moshezuchter]

Hi, there are lots of detailed, step-by-step explanations on accordionlove.com

[@Rohirn]

Do you teach chromatic button accordion like the bayan Tula 209 ?

[@moshezuchter]

Hi Rohirn, no, I just teach piano accordion.

[@Rohirn]

Ok would it be easier to start on a piano accordion? I’m the type that goes for the most complicated thing lol I started violin a few months back and I’m already thinking of upgrading to a better violin too

[@moshezuchter]

@@Rohirn I came from a piano background, so a piano accordion was (1) easy to pick up and (2) there were lots of used instruments around.

[@markyates2096]

I want to learn the accordion and don't know whether to buy a button accordion or a piano accordion. Can you offer some insight as to which is best? In case it makes a difference, I like zydeco and folk music best. Thanks.

[@moshezuchter]

So I only know how to play the piano accordion. And coming from a piano background, picking it up was an easy transfer. Meaning, if you have any sort of piano background, picking up a piano accordion makes a lot of sense. Otherwise, I've heard a lot of good things about the button accordion, although it seems like (in North America at least) there is not as much material online as there is for piano accordion. Others may chime in as well.

[@markyates2096]

@@moshezuchter Thank you! I ordered a piano accordion and I'll be taking your lessons when it arrives!

[@moshezuchter]

@@markyates2096 great! Let me know if you have any questions

[@archarandews2431]

Pls help me to by this according pls pls

[@moshezuchter]

Sorry Archar, these accordions aren't for sale.

[@malalai79]

Want to learn to play the accordion (from complete novice) but I'm 42yrs old 😭 Am I too late?

[@moshezuchter]

Never too late!! See the bio of the other accordion learners here: accordionlove.com/alforum/viewforum.php?f=4 All ages and skill levels.

[@gustiraffa2540]

i lake Accordion

[@deadmanswife3625]

My Panther only has buttons no keyboard is that okay

[@moshezuchter]

Yes, but it means you'll need to learn the button accordion system, instead of the piano accordion system. That's fine! Same principles apply to the musicality of playing, but the right hand patterns will be different. Good luck!

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@moshezuchter thank you. Now I have to see if I can find a KZbin lesson I'm sorry you don't teach this kind

[@yazbethtorreblancahernande5678]

So gorgeous 🥰🥰🤩

[@KK-xg1fz]

🌹☀️🏖️👍

[@cristicovaciucristian3730]

Frumos e cântecul la acordion pe gamă domajor ## și gamă famajor ## la acordion

[@archarandews2431]

Pls can you by me this according pls

[@Houdi2]

That Weltmeister sounds so, so, uh...teutonic. (Mine has a lovely musette, but sometimes the thing can sound like a train about to blow through an intersection. Certainly not the lush sound of my teacher's Petosa.)

[@moshezuchter]

Turns out that the Weltmeister had a HUGE air leak, which made it sound ugly and made it hard to play. Yuval patched up the hole with some silicone and duct tape and it plays like almost-new again 👍

[@musicisitall]

a HOT accordeonist :P

[@EBooy-uw3pm]

Is it possible, to speak a lille slower. Because I do not speak english

[@dilipkumardas8207]

Very good teaching but first of all learn bellow controlling.BELLOW IS THE HEART OF PIANO ACCORDION.