[Guest Teacher]

I’ve definitely experienced this, (both when I was that age, and teaching) I think if he’s not strained then there’s no real problem for now. I think the advice is generally like that – especially for boys – because their voice will change and they have to be much more careful around that time, so if you discourage them from belting when they’re young they won’t push themselves unhealthily later?

So I’d do some prep for that by giving him the ‘tools’ he might need during the voice change, things like getting him to know the different aspects of his voice and how they feel rather than how they sound because if it’s linked to feeling rather than the specific notes or range based things then when his voice drops he’ll still have the feeling ‘data’ as it were. Hope that helps!

[Guest Teacher]

Hi Jordan,

It is a great question, I know that a lot of teachers and students are taking their first proper holiday in 18 months – so there are a lot of people away at the moment. So I think this is a part of what you are experiencing.

September will be a significant month in terms of people restarting and returning to a lot of activities that they have not undertaken for the last 2 years or so.

[Guest Teacher]

Actually, my rehersal was cancelled! How do I join your chat??

[Guest Teacher]

Hi Chloe,

I would love to but I have choir rehersal that time.

I have Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays free every evening. If you decide to do in any other time, let me know.

[Guest Teacher]

You’ve done a great job researching reputable brands for beginner accordions. Each brand you’ve mentioned has its unique strengths and specialties, which can cater to different needs and preferences. Hohner and Weltmeister, for instance, are known for their long-standing tradition and quality, while Roland is popular for its innovative digital accordions. SofiaMari and Saltarelle, on the other hand, offer great value for money with their affordable yet quality instruments. Excelsior and Castagnari are recognized for their excellent craftsmanship and sound.

However, choosing the right accordion also depends on the type of music you’re interested in. For example, diatonic accordions are often used in folk and traditional music, while piano accordions are more versatile and can be used in various music genres.

It’s also important to consider the size and weight of the accordion. As a beginner, you might want to start with a smaller, lighter model that’s easier to handle.

Lastly, remember that the best accordion is the one that feels right for you. It’s highly recommended to try out different models before making a decision.

Do you have any specific music genres you’re interested in, or any other preferences that could help narrow down your choices?