ARTISTIC TECHNIQUES


You're not a stripper, you're an entertainer!” - Gypsy Rose Lee's mother


...the loftiest species of human life yet designed by God...” - a fictional Marine Force Recon officer (perhaps describing a creative accordionist)


Do you limit your progress as a musician to merely learning new songs? Don't allow yourself to stagnate as a musician. Take on a creative mindset. Don't be just an accordionist. Think of yourself as an entertainer with the accordion as one of your tools, along with things like the melody, rhythm, speed, and texture of the song you are presenting. Your purpose is not to display your technical skills, rather, your skills are presented as needed to “deliver the song”. Here are a few concepts, with some examples, that can be used to enhance the presentation of your songs. (Of course, you must come with strategies and examples of your own).


Devise medlies.


Use introductions and endings.


Change keys.


Simulate Instrument Tones and Styles.

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Use Formulas such as Simple/Hard/Simple.


Steal great licks.




RETURN TO MAIN

IMPROVISING

USING THE ACCORDION'S CAPABILITIES

SONG SELECTION

ADDITIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT

ACCORDIONS GONE WILD