Can't you believe that you can learn to play the accordion even without knowing the notes? It turns out that if you really want to, you can do anything, even learn to play the harmonica in just half an hour.

How to learn to play the harmonica

Even if you don’t know the notes, it’s not difficult to remember them, because the notes are always on your ear. From school, every child remembers a simple combination: do-re-mi, fa-sol-la-si, and the last note – do. That's all the knowledge is, simple and easy.

Rule one: to learn how to play the harmonica, learn the notes by heart. We sing them first in order, then in reverse order. You need to sing as much as you like, the main thing is that you remember all the notes. And without even suspecting it, we managed to learn the scale.

What will help you learn to play faster:

• In order not to confuse the notes, you can quickly learn them this way: mark the working keys, and those that are not yet needed for simple melodies can be covered. Or vice versa, highlight the necessary keys with stickers. We recommend highlighting the main notes: these are the note “F” and the note “Sol”. They divide the accordion keyboard into 2 parts. It turns out that there will be 5 buttons in the bottom row, and the same number in the top row. These are 4 sectors.
• Take the accordion in your hands, sit comfortably so that nothing interferes. If height does not allow, place a small stand or bench under your feet for balance.
• Now you need to put all 5 fingers on each sector. It turns out that the fingers are on the notes, one after the other.
• Counting from the notes “F” and “Sol” from below, press the keys. We listen to the sound, remember the location of the fingers.
• Having worked, we move on to the next one: we work on sectors from 1 to 4, placing our fingers on each. To consolidate this part of the lesson, a special table will be useful, on which columns and rows are indicated, as well as numbers and note symbols. It’s better to learn how notes are written right away so that there is no confusion: “Before - WITH, Re – D, Mi – E, Fa – F, Salt - G, La – F, Si – H" If you concentrate, you can easily learn all the notes in a couple of minutes.
• To consolidate the learned material, you can, armed with felt-tip pens of different colors, draw a staff and mark the notes. To avoid confusion, it is better to draw the staff with light felt-tip pens; the lines should be thin.
• The next 5 lines are of a different, brighter shade. Total: 11 line staff, base – 5 lines + treble clef.
• On the top line you need to put 2 notes: “F” and “Sol”, remember their location, so that you can later work on the notes and consolidate this skill on the accordion.
• All that remains is to apply and practice the acquired knowledge, learn to perceive the notes on a sheet of music and find them with your fingers on the accordion. When everything works out without pauses, we can say that you have practically learned to play.
• Then everything is simple, take notes with a simple piece for a beginner and try to play.

• You need to learn to play the accordion every day, set aside at least 15 minutes for lessons. It is best to play 10 minutes in the morning and the same in the evening;
• do not rush, master the musical alphabet gradually;
• The first task needs to be worked out thoroughly: learn the C major scale, you can play not by notes, but by ear. Be sure to practice scales;
• When performing a melody, the bellows does not need to be jerkily jerked, move it smoothly. The furs are not stretched to the end, this is unnecessary;
• all fingers should be used - place them on the keyboard, even if it is still difficult to play with all fingers, you need to gradually get used to the new movements;
• If you are mastering this musical instrument without an assistant, then listen to audio recordings, video lessons, record your playing to look at yourself from the outside and note mistakes.

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Playing the harmonica for beginners

Starting to learn new skills is a little scary. Especially when it comes to musical instruments. Especially when you need to learn to play the “accordion,” as this instrument is affectionately called, starting from complete scratch. It seems that this is no longer possible for an adult, because you need to coordinate not one, but two hands at once.

But for students of the Virtuosi school, there is almost nothing impossible in learning the harmonica, even for beginners. Experienced teachers will teach you to play your favorite melodies beautifully using the “from simple to complex” method. And in six months you will perform a number at our reporting concert, even if you have never held an instrument in your hands before!

How is learning to play the accordion for beginners at the Virtuosi school?

People of different ages, professions, and backgrounds come to learn to play the accordion at the Virtuosi school - both from scratch and with minimal experience.

Harmonica lessons for beginners are one of the most entertaining musical learning experiences.

We offer various series of harmonica lessons - for beginners or experienced ones. Not sure what you'll like? Then you can start with a short course of 4 lessons.

How to play the harmonica? Information for beginners:

To choose a suitable course for learning how to play the accordion, get to know the teacher and decide on your first musical number, sign up for a trial lesson. It's absolutely free!

Individual courses

Record TRIAL LESSON	1 LESSON 1 lesson = 30 minutes	1 VISIT	1 lesson = 600
Record Rubato subscription Visits on a flexible schedule	8 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	2 months training maximum subscription period	8 lessons = 14,300
Record Presto subscription	48 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	48 lessons = 67,680
Record Vivo subscription	24 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	24 lessons = 35,280
Record Accelerando subscription	12 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	12 lessons = 18,360
Record Allegro subscription	8 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	8 lessons = 12,930
Record Adagio subscription	4 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	1 time per week planned attendance	4 lessons = 6,900
Record Uno subscription For those who need here and now	1 Lesson 1 lesson = 55 minutes	1 visit	1 lesson = 1,900

How to learn to play the harmonica?

Playing any musical instrument remains a useful skill even with the widespread use of players and other similar devices. Here the big role is played not by quality and volume, but by the exceptional soulful component of live music. By choosing the harmonica as a priority instrument, you will be able to both introduce famous modern compositions to your friends in a new light, and get closer to the national culture. At the same time, learning to play the harmonica is no more difficult than many other “mobile” instruments.

Music school

There are several ways to learn to play the harmonica, button accordion or accordion. The first is to study at a music school. Here, under the guidance of a professional teacher, you will be able to master not only the skill of playing music, but also gain comprehensive knowledge about the peculiarities of constructing a melody and reading notes.

This will greatly facilitate independent selection in the future and will allow you to expand your repertoire indefinitely. Of course, to study at a music school you will need to fulfill the requirements of teachers and spend quite a lot of time, but the result is worth it.

Yard method

The second method involves learning from a friend who already knows how to play the harmonica. This path, like “yard” learning to play the guitar, makes it possible to quickly learn to play a limited number of compositions without the ability to read music. This greatly limits both the repertoire and overall musical development, but significantly saves time.

Self-instruction manual

Alternatively, you can try to master the instrument yourself with the help of tutorials and video lessons. This method has the positive qualities of the previous two, but requires great perseverance, desire and some talent.

It is also the best option in cases where visiting a music educational institution is impossible and there are no friends who can play the harmonica. Let's take a closer look at it.

Features of self-paced learning

Most versions of self-instruction manuals initially introduce the student to basic definitions and basic concepts. Under no circumstances should you skip such lessons and proceed directly to practice. This significantly affects the speed of mastering the instrument and the development of playing skills.

The main guarantee of any independent studies using such methods is consistency and complete mastery of each lesson. Compliance with these conditions guarantees a quick and effective completion of the course. After this, knowledge is usually sufficient for free choice and learning of almost any composition.

In parallel with learning to play this instrument, you can devote time to mastering its younger brother, the harmonica. Detailed information about it can be found in our article.

Accordion courses

Everyone is familiar with scenes from old films in which folk festivals took place to the sounds of an accordion. Playing this musical instrument is still popular today. Accordion playing courses have not lost their relevance; every year more and more students enroll in lessons with tutors or in a music school.

In order not to look for an experienced teacher all over Moscow, we suggest coming to the Virtuosi school, where the best teachers in the capital are gathered, and the training schedule is built taking into account your events.

What will you get from harmonica lessons at the Virtuosi school?

• You will learn that there are different techniques for playing the harmonica: from the simplest playing by numbers to the techniques used by professionals. We will prove that you shouldn’t be afraid of notes and chords, that understanding and learning them is not at all difficult!
• Learning to play the accordion at our school in Moscow also includes practice, which begins with playing simple passages. As you study, you will play increasingly complex pieces on the harmonica.
• Our school offers a choice of convenient courses for playing the harmonica, varying in the number of lessons. The more hours of instruction you choose, the more experience and knowledge you will gain from taking harmonica lessons.
• Accordion playing courses at the Virtuosi school are a creative atmosphere, because your like-minded people, teachers who are passionate about music, are gathered here. We also regularly hold concerts. Do you agree that an environment conducive to learning plays an important role in the quality of education?

Want to experience all the benefits of learning to play the accordion at Virtuosi? Sign up for a trial lesson, it's free.

Individual courses

Record TRIAL LESSON	1 LESSON 1 lesson = 30 minutes	1 VISIT	1 lesson = 600
Record Rubato subscription Visits on a flexible schedule	8 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	2 months training maximum subscription period	8 lessons = 14,300
Record Presto subscription	48 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	48 lessons = 67,680
Record Vivo subscription	24 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	24 lessons = 35,280
Record Accelerando subscription	12 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	12 lessons = 18,360
Record Allegro subscription	8 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	from 2 times a week planned attendance	8 lessons = 12,930
Record Adagio subscription	4 lessons 1 lesson = 55 minutes	1 time per week planned attendance	4 lessons = 6,900
Record Uno subscription For those who need here and now	1 Lesson 1 lesson = 55 minutes	1 visit	1 lesson = 1,900

Learning is difficult, and starting to study musical notation when you are no longer young is even more difficult. I want to do it quickly, and maybe not in full volume, but enough to play and understand what is written on the staff.

The teaching methods in a music school are effective, no doubt about it, but they are designed for long-term, gradual study of the material, for the child’s psychology. And they only work when there is a teacher who provides the material, monitors learning, and corrects mistakes. In addition, an experienced teacher takes into account the psychological characteristics of the student and will find an individual approach. I am engaged in self-education, and textbooks for music schools and colleges are not suitable for me, but they are very useful reference material. We need to look for something else.

Self-instructions for accordion: P. Londonov, R. Bazhilin, G. Tyshkevich, as well as self-instructions for playing the button accordion by these and other authors were not effective for me. Probably they didn’t suit me psychologically. The purpose of the lesson is not written, what should be achieved in this lesson? How to control? Musical literacy is given crumpled, in some fits and starts. An integral, interconnected system is not created.

I understand and learn better when we follow the scheme: here is a task, and to solve it we need to take such and such steps. And the scheme: let’s do or learn this (I immediately have a question, why?), then this, etc., and everything takes a long time, boringly, without explanation - why. And then, hey, it's done. This scheme doesn't suit me.

I filled myself with books on musical literacy and solfeggio, went online, started learning notes, durations, intervals, keys, modes, chords and their inversions, etc. Of course, I learned and remembered something. I need all this, but I can’t play the accordion from sight. I'm doing something wrong. I thought: the goal and methods of achieving it.

And that's what I realized.

The main tasks at the first stage:

1. establish a connection with the image of the note on the staff and the corresponding accordion key. Clear, stable communication.

And the name of the note is secondary, it will come in handy later. Yes, I call them differently, here (do-re-mi) or in Europe (C-D-E). (Moreover, the exercises I used allow you to do this automatically along the way.)

2. duration of notes. It is necessary to clearly learn this and be able to perform it. The matter is not difficult, and this will also be automatically solved in the same exercises as the first task.

In general, playing the accordion (and other musical instruments) consists of these two points: note and duration; everything else is also important, but these are secondary tasks.

I started looking for suitable exercises, found them, tried them. But everything turned out to be very simple - the usual scale C-MAJOR - do-re-mi, etc. So I have not invented and am not inventing anything new.

It all starts with this scale; in any tutorial it is written - play the scale - and that’s it. And everyone lets her through, everything is clear, why play here, she’s not a small child. I tried a bunch of ways to learn notes quickly and learn how to extract them from a harmonica, and, oddly enough, this most primitive scale turned out to be the best.

I’ll just describe in more detail my methodology with exercises based on this simple scale. Many words will be written to get the most out of this simple thing.

What will this give?

You can learn to play notes, from sight, in two or three days.

Of course, at first it was like a first-grader: syllable by syllable, slowly, without expression. But after a very short time, fluency and expressiveness developed.

This is distance learning, there is no teacher who would supervise you (notice mistakes, their causes and ways to correct them). You are a teacher, you are also a controller. Therefore, it is important to understand the purpose of the exercise and the methods of achieving it (goal) for self-control. By formally performing the exercise, you can only deceive yourself. Do you need this?

It is well known that a skill is an ability acquired through exercise, that is, repeated repetition, which is based on the theory of formation and consolidation of a conditioned reflex (in this case, visual-auditory-motor).

The task is to form and consolidate the skill, that is, to form a system of neural connections (dynamic stereotype), which is a reflection of real connections in the brain (note - location on the staff and finger movements - pressing the desired key)

I will describe the process of forming and developing a technical skill. Therefore, it is necessary first of all to understand the mechanism of this process.

Let's get started

Preparatory steps:

On the right is a picture of the right accordion keyboard - as if through the transparent neck of the accordion (mirror reflection), there are 12 buttons closer to the bellows, 13 buttons further from the bellows. I printed it out and put this picture in front of me. After playing with it for a bit, I put it away.

By the way: the notes written on the line are located on the row of the keyboard farthest from the bellows, and between the lines - on the row of the keyboard closer to the bellows

I first glued pieces of tape onto the keys of notes up to 1, 2 and 3 octaves, in order to correctly find these keys by touch. Then you can tear it off.

I looked at the arrangement of the notes, peeked at the beginning, playing the scale 2-3 times, then didn’t bother to do it.

To sit more comfortably with the accordion, and not in front of the computer, I printed out the scale (you must look at the notes).

I sat down and picked up the accordion correctly (as they teach in the tutorials), it’s better to beat the rhythm with my right foot, I did this (at the same time I’ll develop an even rhythm).

I also used a metronome. The device is old, musicians use it, but for some reason harmonica players do not. There is a heated debate on the Internet about whether it is needed or not. But I think it’s not fools who invented it and have been using it for two hundred years.

1. Day one

How to play the scale:

slowly, and for each kick (count “one”, but you don’t need to say it out loud) and at the same time;

1. looked at the note (remembered its location);

2. said the name of the note out loud (remembered the name of the note);

3. and at the same time pressed the desired button (“with my fingers” I remembered the location of the button for the note);

4. I move on to the next note;

A pace of play is needed that would ensure the unity of consciousness and action.

"Mantra" for this scale:

do - re - mi - fa - sol - la - si - la - sol - fa - mi - re - do

As a result of repeated repetition, this goal is achieved, but only if the game is played without errors.

And hence the conclusion: to play fast, you need to play slowly.

A slow tempo is a condition for accuracy, which, in turn, makes it possible to gradually increase the speed of the game. After all, the formation and consolidation of a technical skill does not consist in training the fingers, but in training the nervous processes that determine the formation of a dynamic stereotype and a reduction in the time of the reflex response, on which the speed of the game depends.

On the first day, I played for an hour and a half, but without mistakes. If I played longer, I would start making mistakes, regardless of speed.

By the way, at school, when I was asked to memorize a poem, I studied it all evening - but I couldn’t remember it, and in the morning I easily recited it, without hesitation. That’s why I didn’t do the exercises for long, because... No matter how much I repeated it, I was still wrong.

It’s not a fun activity, but it’s necessary.

My mistake at this stage:
I scrolled through and looked at the notes for the accordion, and noticed that basically the notes lie within 5 lines of the staff, i.e. the first octave and the first half of the notes of the second octave. At the first stage of learning to play notes, I paid more attention to this section (I wanted to do it quickly), but now I experience difficulties if I have to play notes of the third octave.