Workshop Topics
(70% of the workshops are interactive and/or play-along)
Know Your Accordion:
Introduction to accordion: Treble, bass, bellows, reeds, musicality, registers, tuning, repairs, straps, sound systems, fingering, chords, electronics, physics of playing the accordion, etc.
Musicality (Expression) and the Accordion: Vibrato, glissando, piano, forte, keyboard attack, effective use of treble, bass, bellows and registers (switches), etc.
Musical Styles and Ethnic Genres:
Styles: Improv, Pop, Rock, Country, etc.
Genres: Cajun, Czech, Irish, French and Italian musette, Balkan, Latin, Ezmeralda (Disney) and endless other styles of music.
Music Theory Simplified: Structure, Circle of 5ths, key signatures, counting, rhythm, tempo, chord structure, scales, using lead sheets, modifying piano music for accordion, etc.
Effective Practice and Presentation (More Than Drills): Practice for a purpose, setting goals to achieve mastery, sight-reading, performance skills; mirrors, muscle memory exercises, musicianship; listening, applying, etc.
Strategies for Working Together and Group Applications: Duets, ensembles, orchestras, bands, other instruments, vocalists:
Differentiating: Comping, backup, jamming, listening skills, group practice and performance strategies, directing ensembles, etc.
Solo Performance Strategies: Playing by ear, iPads, music selection, using background music; memorizing, arranging,
performance tips, gigs, arrangements, getting experience, etc.
Effective Use of Technology in Music:
Home technologies: Roland, iPad, amp, drum machine, MP3 files, MIDI, channels, MIDI (in-out) sound banks, music arrangement software, page-turners, etc.
Web-based technologies: YouTube, Skype instructors, educational websites, certifications, 24/7 training, college courses, and unlimited research opportunities.
Personal Evaluations/Critiques: Circles, positive feedback, gleaning information from the professionals one-on-one, etc.
Participation (Performances During the Convention): 15-minutes of fame, orchestra, bands, jams, stages, banquet, etc.