Australian Accordion Teachers Association

In Honour of
Ossie Mazzei

Ossie Mazzei was born on the "Island of Elba", Tuscany, Italy. It was there that he had his first introduction to music with a chromatic button accordion. On his arrival to Australia in 1930 he switched to the piano accordion. In the absence of music for the accordion, Ossie had to rely on arranging piano music. He soon attained recognition as one of Australia's leading concert artists. Ossie was a guest performer with Jim Davidson A.B.C. Dance Band for several months in Sydney and was later with the Tivoli Circuit performing in all major Australian Cities.

During WWII, Ossie served with the Australian Army entertainment unit. After discharge from the army he started teaching the accordion and soon had two other teachers helping out. In 1949 Ossie formed an orchestra from his more advanced pupils and toured North Queensland, playing at every major town and receiving standing ovations at most concerts.

In 1962 Ossie gave a concert at the Brisbane City Hall which was filled to capacity. The Orchestra presented this time comprised of 80 players and the program included quite a large variety of music. Ossie's successful work in furthering the promotion of the accordion has won him citations from world wide organizations including the Confederation Mondiale De Accordion.

In 1996 at the request of Gunther Zeilenger, conductor of the Hofer Symhoniker, Germany, Ossie toured with his accordion orchestra to Germany and Austria. His orchestra was formed of past pupils of his school. A total of nine concerts were performed, receiving fantastic receptions at every concert.

Ossie is now enjoying the fun of helping the "Queensland Accordion Club" on the Gold Coast with their monthly concert programs.