Harvey Neuber says, “I began making my own music in about the 5th grade with a harmonica that Santa brought. And I never stopped – then came the guitar, banjo, string bass, penny whistle, mandolin and finally the concertina. I’m not a virtuoso on any of the above but I learned enough about each instrument to appreciate how they each blend with the other voices. My focus in the last decade has been with the concertina because of it’s unique versatility in playing in an eclectic array of genres with a wide variety of instruments.”
English Concertina
For ages 14 and up due to hand size (unless they already play).
This course is designed to guide the beginning to intermediate student in the basic skills and fundamental knowledge necessary to play the English* concertina. The English concertina is a surprisingly easy instrument to learn in a relatively short time. Even beginning students should be able to learn several tunes in the course of the week. More advanced students can use the time to learn more tunes as well as to improve and embellish tunes they already know.
The English concertina, being completely chromatic, can easily play in any key and is extremely versatile. Any genre from folk tunes to Celtic to Jazz to Blues, etc. is completely accessible on the English concertina. As well, the concertina is a common orchestral instrument in Europe. Our course will focus on American and Celtic fiddle tunes commonly heard at Wallowa Fiddle Tunes. Besides learning and mastering our chosen tunes, we will also learn some basic notions and techniques (chords, drones, countermelodies, etc) of accompanying and playing with other instruments.
Notes: Contact me at harveyneuber@gmail.com for answers to any questions you might have. Need an instrument? I have a few to lend – first come first served. I can also give advice on procuring a new or used instrument.
The English Concertina by Richard Carlin (Oak Publications, 1977) and The Concertina by Frank Butler (Music Sales Corporation, 1997) are two excellent self-guided tutors and are the source books from which we will derive some of our music.
Which (*) concertina do I have, an Anglo or an English? Click here to find out: Which One?
https://youtu.be/AGI01IFI5MQ?si=WwSqUNHoxARjd5tl
https://youtu.be/AGl01lFl5MQ?si=ayiOW1QP_R2z4tYa
