Melodeon: Saturday Folk Music Workshops

Study melodeon at Cecil Sharp House, at the heart of English e melodeon (or diatonic button accordion) is an instrument that has become particularly popular in the folk music of Britain, Ireland, parts of Europe and America. It differs from the piano accordion in that it is smaller and lighter, has buttons rather than keys and the notes change when the bellows are pushed and pulled. The rhythmic effects of this push-pull action are especially well suited to the lively rhythms of dance music from various traditions; although it can also be played in the smoother cross-rowed style, which is particularly suitable for song accompaniment. These classes will focus mainly on music from the British Isles, but will also cover traditional playing styles from other parts of Europe.

This course will cover the playing of D/G melodeons with at least two rows – please contact if you have any questions about the instrument.

The class is for everyone over the age of 16. Young people aged 12 to 16 are welcome when accompanied by a paying responsible adult.

Melodeon Level 1 (Absolute beginners)
Melodeon Level 2 - 3 (Beginners / Improvers)
This course starts from absolute beginner level in the autumn term and progresses throughout the year. We will begin with the basics, learning the layout of the buttons on both hands and exploring simple tunes. The classes will cover both one-row and cross-row styles and we will be working on right hand melodies from the start. Music will be taught by ear with music notation and mp3s available after the sessions.

Melodeon Level Level 4 (Intermediate)
This course is for players who can already play both hands together with reasonable fluency. The course will focus on learning by ear and start to explore more challenging keys, techniques and left hand rhythms as the year progresses. The classes will cover both one-row and cross-row styles. Music will be taught by ear with music notation and mp3s available after the sessions.