T
tonywh
Guest
I do not make any claim to the "best practice routine, but can only relate my experience as a complete beginner. I joined this forum 2 or 3 weeks ago and have found it to be very encouraging and informative - good to hear of others experiencing the same difficulties as me.
As I said in my introductory forum message I acquired my accordion a year ago, having never played a musical instrument and totally unable to read music. I tried one session with a tutor but things did not work out, for reasons not unconnected with my lack of knowledge. I therefore decided to teach myself initially with the aid of two books, one by Basil Bunelik and the other by Karen Tweed, also using the considerable amount of material on the internet.
I started off by practising for 10-15 minutes per day, at which point the mental effort overcame the desire to learn. As familiarity increased I was able to do about 30 minutes and able to play simple pieces (with the right hand). My practice sessions would consist of playing the scales, then a set piece, then something new. In the last month or so I felt I have reached a sort of "plateau", unsure of where to go next, so I had a single lesson with a (different) tutor, seeking guidance. This proved to be very helpful and I was given simple pieces to practice (Merrily we Roll Along, Happy Birthday) and arpeggios. It was suggested that I should practice both hands together. I have also downloaded the Hanon exercises which I practice.
At the moment I feel that I can make positive progress. I have also agreed with the tutor that I can have another session when I feel ready. This enables me to work at my own speed.
Although very keen on learning the instrument, there always seems to be some task (perceived to be) more urgent than practicing. This tendency must be curbed.
tonywh
As I said in my introductory forum message I acquired my accordion a year ago, having never played a musical instrument and totally unable to read music. I tried one session with a tutor but things did not work out, for reasons not unconnected with my lack of knowledge. I therefore decided to teach myself initially with the aid of two books, one by Basil Bunelik and the other by Karen Tweed, also using the considerable amount of material on the internet.
I started off by practising for 10-15 minutes per day, at which point the mental effort overcame the desire to learn. As familiarity increased I was able to do about 30 minutes and able to play simple pieces (with the right hand). My practice sessions would consist of playing the scales, then a set piece, then something new. In the last month or so I felt I have reached a sort of "plateau", unsure of where to go next, so I had a single lesson with a (different) tutor, seeking guidance. This proved to be very helpful and I was given simple pieces to practice (Merrily we Roll Along, Happy Birthday) and arpeggios. It was suggested that I should practice both hands together. I have also downloaded the Hanon exercises which I practice.
At the moment I feel that I can make positive progress. I have also agreed with the tutor that I can have another session when I feel ready. This enables me to work at my own speed.
Although very keen on learning the instrument, there always seems to be some task (perceived to be) more urgent than practicing. This tendency must be curbed.
tonywh