How to Play Piano Accordion - Introduction for First Time Accordionist, Components, Basics

Artist in Residence Tony Kovatch provides a step by step approach to learning the piano accordion using visual and aural techniques. This series is designed for beginners and intermediate players as a stand alone course or as a supplement to individual or group lessons which are offered at our store in Philadelphia or online via Skype. For more information about accordion instruction, visit our page here:

Our Artist in Residence program is an opportunity for talented accordionists to share their craft with our online and in store network. If you would like to be considered for a future appointment as an Artist in Residence, please contact us to apply. We also welcome your donations to help fund this program or other scholarships. Please contact us for more information.

[ipiggies]

I'm going through an accordion phase currently... this feels so good.

[kaidenmarthaler]

Here because my grandpa passed away in 2017 when I was only 10 years old. He was a natural at accordion having played it his entire life since just 9 years old. I recently inherited his very nice accordion from my grandma and I would love to learn and carry on my grandpa's amazing skill. Thank you all for taking the time to read this, it means a lot to me😊

[Porschesvideos]

Hey thanks for this! My father contacted me recently to tell me he is GIVING me his accordion that he's had, and played, since he was 12 years old! He is 78 now...and I have LOVED that thing forever! I'm so excited! It's in mint condition! So here I am..at age 51...trying to learn how to play it before it arrives! Thank you and I will keep watching. :)

[kaelisprime]

I’m just really confused and intimidated by the Bass Buttons

[theharvardyard]

Not much interest in ever playing one but was always interested in watching how others do it. Thanks for the great explanation!

[whynottalklikeapirat]

The drummer said, "this was in my attic should I throw it away, I think it's broken anyway, does anyone want it?" I said "Aww - I'll take it then". The bass player said "Hey let me look inside and see if I can fix it". I did not object. Now it's in my living room and I am trying to figure out the heads and tails of the thing so thank you for this upload ...

[listeningbird]

Wow how can one not fall in love with this beautiful thing? It’s like a living breathing creature

[squidle]

My grandpa just gave me his spare accordion, she’s a little beat up but she’s beautiful. I hope I’ll be able to play the accordion well soon

[tragic]

I dont have an accordion nor do have plans on buying one, but imagin how badass would it be for me to just play an accordion with no respectable knowledge so perfectly.

[charloo]

Just got an accordion for Christmas and even though I’ve been playing piano for 10 years, I realized this is a whole different beast! Thanks for the help!

[adriandelgado]

This is probably the best video of accordion explanation I’ve ever seen.... thanks to your videos I’ve improved a lot on my accordion skills

[BookOfFaustus]

I will never forget the accordionist who serenaded me on the metro in Rome with some fabulous Czarda which was timed perfectly for the next stop, after which he quickly disappeared.

[scsharma]

Sir- Great explanation. Accordion is an obsessive hobby for me. For some reason t couldn't play accordion for almost an year and when I did I was getting stuck when the bellows got too closed and then there was a little pause. Thanks for making me 'aware' that if the bellows are too close while playing, a slight 'pause' may occur and hence that can be avoided as advised by you. Great advice. Thanks and Regards. You are a fine Instructor.

[mendyviola]

My father just passed away and I’m inheriting his accordion. I held it once or twice as a kid, but it was just too big for me. I’ve played viola for decades, and can also play violin and cello to a lesser degree. I’ve recently also taking lessons on piano now as an adult. I guess now I’m adding accordion to my musical instrument repertoire. 😂. Thank you for this intro.

[jimmyfigueras]

awesome teacher. I took a couple of accordion lessons as a child but didn't understand anything, lol. Now, i'm appreciating how beautiful it looks and sounds.

[AnthonyMolyneux]

Thanks Tony. A very clear lesson indeed. I have played piano and other instruments for many years and am now considering the accordion.

From 88 year old Tony in England

[dmverderosa]

Thank you for making this so informative and not at all overwhelming! I saw a zydeco band in New Orleans this summer and immediately started dreaming of learning how to play the accordion. I’ve been wondering if it’s do-able, and you’ve inspired me to give it a try!

[thorn]

Thanks for this clear, articulate, and interesting intro to the basics. I especially appreciate the hint about the desirability of staying away from completely-closed bellows position—very helpful!

[La.Islena]

My husband just got me an accordion for my birthday I’ve wanted one since I was 15. I cannot wait to learn to play

[Funjaunts]

I've just inherited an old accordion. It looks beautiful but I haven't a clue how to play so here I am researching. Great video. thx