[Guest Teacher]

Some of the reputable brands for beginner accordions include:

1. Hohner: Hohner is one of the oldest and most well-known accordion manufacturers. They offer a range of models suitable for beginners, including diatonic and piano accordions.
2. Roland: Known for their digital accordions, Roland provides instruments that can be great options for beginners, especially those interested in exploring different sounds and styles.
3. SofiaMari: This brand offers affordable and quality beginner accordions with good playability and sound.
4. Weltmeister: Based in Germany, Weltmeister is renowned for producing high-quality accordions at various price points, including those suitable for beginners.
5. Excelsior: Excelsior accordions are known for their craftsmanship and sound quality, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals.
6. Saltarelle: A brand with a strong focus on diatonic accordions, Saltarelle instruments are highly regarded for their responsiveness and playability.
7. Castagnari: Another brand specializing in diatonic accordions, Castagnari instruments are known for their excellent craftsmanship and sound.

[Guest Teacher]

Hiya, I find that some of these issues can be helped by looking at how the student is breathing and supporting the sound. I work constantly with my students on connecting the sound to the body which helps to prevent a breathy tone and avoids singing from the throat. I agree with the ng exercises as well as humming, they are great to find good resonance. Also sing on kieu leading to the oo sound from the tonic, jumping up a 5th and then returning to the tonic down the scale. I find this really helps to blend registers as long as proper support is in use. Plus the K helps to release any tongue tension. Hope that is of some use!

[Guest Teacher]

I agree it’s tricky trying to keep students during the lockdown. Some have altogether stopped playing an instrument, while others hope to return… perhaps in the middle of the year. I try to send a message to all students (even those who stopped lessons during the March 2020 lockdown). I sent a new year message and a Christmas one. Some replied. Others didn’t. For the few I still have left, I give a discount every 12 lessons for the student who has made the best progress. I sometimes deduct the fee or buy a gift voucher either from Amazon or a music shop online, or buy a gift. It motivates them.

I make sure that throughout the academic year, each student gets at gift/discount at least once. It could be a simple gift like a ruler with music notes on it. It keeps adults and children motivated…For the children, they draw a sticker in their notebooks and I keep count in mine. Every so often, I also send students a recording of myself playing my favourites. They love to know I’m practicing as well!

Overall, my numbers are really low because people want to have face to face lessons, which I cannot offer until I get my vaccination (which is not too far now).It’s been a tough year, I believe, for all of us. I’m really glad we have music to keep us going!