All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Spring 2021 term. We are working towards holding ‘in person’ class learning at Cecil Sharp House from Autumn 2021, if possible and safe to do so.
An instrument whose popularity transcends the folk world and is commonly found playing in many different musical disciplines from jazz to classical, although its popularity within the folk culture is probably unrivalled. Of European descent, its current design was created around the 1860’s and has spread world-wide adopting local musical styles due to its flexibility.
This course aims to show the range of techniques through tunes and musical arrangements with the emphasis on the English tradition and with an open mind towards other folk accordion traditions from around the world.
For this course you will need a piano accordion with Stradella/Standard Bass system, which is one of the most common accordion bass systems. Accordions come with different numbers of basses, that is the small buttons on the left-hand side of the instrument. Although this could be anything from 8 to 160 basses, as a beginner we recommend that you get an accordion with 48 basses. This will be enough to learn all the usual accordion techniques and will be easier to learn. Our rental instruments all have 48 basses.
Accordion classes
Accordion Level 2 (Beginners with some basic knowledge) Please note that there is no Level 1 Accordion
Accordion Level 3-4 (Improvers / Intermediate)
In this class we look at more complex tunes and different styles. Exploring different methods to enhance, vary and develop melodies is the central part of this course. Classes are primarily taught by ear although notation may be provided as a compliment or for practice at home between sessions
Pre-entry level requirements
Level 2
Experience of the piano keyboard is essential, although you do not necessarily need to have played accordion before. Classes are taught by ear.
Level 3-4
Students should have a good knowledge of the layout of the left hand and be able to play both hands together fluently. Classes are taught by ear.
Who leads the course?
The accordion classes will be taught by Aine Mcloughlin.
Aine is a musician, music teacher and composer. Aine has recorded in Abbey Road, AIR studios and Konk Studios covering everything from classical to folk. She has played top London venues, including Union Chapel and the National Theatre. Making her debut performance last year in the West End. She has performed in traditional folk groups, ceilidhs, pub sessions and folk bands touring Europe. As a composer for accordion Aine has had her compositions played on radio in Europe. Aine is also a music teacher at the Music House for children, Kingsdale Foundation School and teaches privately.
The video below is by Paul Hutchinson who retired as Accordion Tutor in 2020.
How can I take part?
2020-21 Dates
Autumn term ONLINE: 12, 19 September | 3, 17, 24 October |7, 21, 28 November | 5 December (9 sessions)
Spring term: 16, 30 January | 13, 27 February | 6, 13, 27 March | 10, 17 April (9 sessions)
Saturday Folk Music Workshops do not run during the Summer Term.
Timetable
Accordion Level 2: 10.00–11.30
Accordion Level 3 & 4: 11.45–13.15
Fees
Termly fees: £118 | £95 concessions
Advance booking required
Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people: in full-time education; in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance; or an income-based benefit. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility before your attendance at the class or course - either in person at the Box Office or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, if all or part of this course is not able to take place at Cecil Sharp House, it will take place online instead.
For any queries, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 020 7241 8953
Terms and Conditions
We cannot give you a refund for any missed classes.
Refunds are given only if your course is cancelled or closed early.
If you enrol on a Saturday Folk Music Workshops course but decide after the first session but before the second class that it is not right for you, you can either:
- transfer your booking to another instrument. This depends on availability; if the course of your choice is full then we can reserve a place for you on the following term.
- or have the course fees refunded to you minus an administration charge of £15 (as long as you contact us before the second class of term).
Read more about Terms and Conditions
Instrument hire
Due to the lockdown restrictions currently in place, we are unable to arrange for the hire and collection of instruments. If this directly affects your ability to participate in one of our classes, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see if we can help.
If you currently have an instrument which you were unable to return at the end of last term but need to return, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so an alternative arrangement can be made.
If you already have one of our instruments and are planning to re-enrol for the Spring term and would like to keep hold of them, we are happy to approve this upon payment for the term and the term’s instrument hire. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know if this is something you are planning to do.
For Autumn 2021, you will be able to hire an accordion from us (subject to availability) for a modest fee, plus a returnable deposit.
Hire fee: £24 per term
A £150 deposit is also required. This is refundable upon the return of the instrument at the end of the hire period, minus any cost involved in restoring the instrument to the original condition (due to damage incurred by the student, excluding reasonable wear and tear).
The hirer will accept liability for the care of the instrument throughout the time they are out of storage and will be expected to have suitable insurance arrangements in place. The hirer is expected to keep the instrument in good condition.
If you hire an instrument for the Autumn term only, you will need to return it on the last class of term. If you would like to keep the instrument over the holidays you will need to re-enrol for the Spring term, ensuring you pay the next term’s hire fee at the same time.
Options for booking and paying for instrument hire are offered as add-ons once you have selected the workshop(s) you would like to book onto. Alternatively, you can book via the Box Office in person or by telephoning 020 7485 2206.
We run Saturday Folk Music Workshops in Accordion, Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Melodeon Song and Ceilidh Band. Why not do several on the same day?
