How to Choose an Accordion Instructor

By Bart Beninco

Picking the right accordion instructor can make the difference between enjoying a lifetime of playing and understanding music, or attempting a new hobby only to quit in frustration months later. There are many factors that make a good accordion teacher. This article will touch on a few:

Musical Knowledge

Your accordion teacher doesn’t have to have a college degree in music to be an effective instructor. Remember that the accordion is a versatile instrument that can play classical, folk, jazz and many other styles. An accordion instructor’s training can run the gambit from formal conservatory training to an informal folk background where there is a tradition of passing songs along to the next generation with the explanation of musical theory. Instruction methods, both formal and informal can be quite effective depending on what you wish to achieve in your musical training.

Playing Ability

There is no substitute for good technique. Consider your instructor’s talents in this area to be your road map to your future playing ability. When teaching, the instructor must provide a good example of playing the accordion for the student. Thus when the student learns, they model their playing after their teacher. It is in this way that they learn the proper way to play.

Attitude

Do you like the instructor’s manners? Do they match with your general guidelines of polite behavior? Is the instructor’s feedback considered and constructive? Is the instructor encouraging and empathic? The instructor needs to have a level of selfless focus on the student’s learning. An instructor’s attitude should reflect a desire to see the student continue to improve. The focus should be on the student and his/her needs and progress.

Empathy

The instructor should be able to recognize your problems and help you through them while giving you a new perspective from which to progress. Personal insights often lessen frustrations because the student knows that they are not alone in their struggles.

Patience

Students make lots of mistakes. Instructors should be able to take them in stride and determine when to stop the student and correct the mistake. Stopping every time a mistake is made serves to frustrate the student and stall the lesson.

Communication Skills

An instructor should possess a command of the terminology appropriate for the subject. Lessons should be communicated clearly and examples presented in a step-by-step manner.

In conclusion, let’s summarize what to look for when choosing an instructor:

• is able to map out your progress and guide you to the next step

• understands your mishaps and encourages you to be the best player you can be

• helps you forget the day-to-day grind and helps you focus on improving the most important person in the world … YOU!

Where to look

Here are some places to look for recommendations: phone book, friends, musicians, music stores, accordion clubs, colleges, and music festivals.

(Editor’s Note: Two of Bart Beninco’s students, Matt Mustaro and Victoria Gavre, are appearing this year on our stage. See the schedule of events on pages 24-25.