Accordion for Beginners

The Stables is hosting an Accordion for Beginners workshop on Saturday 21 November, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. It's a practical introduction to the piano-accordion, aimed at people who've never picked up the instrument before. The session runs for five hours, so there's plenty of time to get your hands on the keys and work through the basics without having to rush.

Over the course of the day, you'll look at how to play across different songs and styles, and the session covers more than just playing on your own. There's a focus on playing in bands, accompanying singers and soloists, and playing for dance, so you'll get a sense of how the accordion fits into a wider musical setting. The repertoire draws on traditional Morris, Ceilidh and Barn Dancing tunes, alongside 17th-century, French café and Italian styles, giving you a glimpse of the instrument's range from folk dance to continental café music.

The day is led by Mike Ruff, an experienced accordion player, performer and workshop leader whose career spans film, traditional dance styles and events. He's also a published author and an expert on traditional folk and country dance, so he knows his way around the dance-focused side of the instrument.

If you don't own an accordion, there's a limited number of working instruments available on the day, so you can still take part even if you're coming empty-handed. Advance booking is required, and the cost is £40 for adults aged 16 and over. The workshop runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm at The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU.