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?
2021-22 Dates
Autumn term: 11, 18 September | 2, 16, 23 October | 6, 20, 27 November | 4 December (9 sessions)
Spring term: 8, 22, 29 January | 12, 19 February | 5, 12, 26 March | 2 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..
Covid-19 Statement
We are continuing a phased return to face-to-face teaching and expect that all of the advertised sessions will take place in person at Cecil Sharp House from September 2021. If for public health reasons we are unable to run classes in person, we intend to move sessions online using the Zoom-based model which we have been refining since the start of the pandemic.
We are a COVID-19 Secure venue. For more information, please visit our Covid Secure webpage.
Terms and Conditions
We cannot give you a refund for any missed classes, including absence due to self-isolation.
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
We have a limited number of accordions, banjos, guitars and melodeons available to hire for a small termly fee plus a returnable deposit (subject to availability).
Hired instruments will be ready for collection on Saturday 11th September, the first session of term.
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, to reserve one of our instruments click here, or you can book via the Box Office in person or by telephone on 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?
