ZydeCoach

Basic s:

Accordion Workshops:

Online Lessons:

Self Directed Lessons:

Accordion Manufacturers:

Message Boards:

Cajun Guitar Info:

Video Info:

Books:

Software Info:

Tablatures:

Key Info:

Basics:

Step One:
Just starting out you need to just learn how to get comfortable with the instrument, so buy an accordion as mentioned below and get atleast one of the good video tapes available.

After you start playing with the instrument if you want to play Cajun style music your in luck because there is a lot of video tapes that do a good job of instruction plus in Southern California we have accordion workshops every few months and if you want to get details on the next workshop please send me your me your email address.

If you want to play Zydeco style... there are not any really good video tapes available currently so your going to need to learn a little Cajun style first and then learn the Zydeco material from either traveling musicians who come through town and give workshops (please send me email to be added to the accordion workshoop mail list) or if your in Southern California I can give you some private lessons, email me at gbenusa @ pacbell.net

Buying an accordion:
Of course there are many accordion makers and you will end up paying anywhere from $300-$1000 for a starting accordion. Larry Miller "Bon Cajun Instruments" (337) 779-2456 among others sell these basic models for around $350 plus he can upgrade the buttons on it and tell you some great information on the accordion. Or if you have the budget I would pay another $500 and get a decent instrument.

Great Web Site that explains accordion info:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZUnmod/files/CAFAQ.html

What key to purchase ? Most of the Zydeco style music is played in B-flat, Most of the Cajun style is played in the key of C. And since most of the instructional material is Cajun I would first buy a Cajun accordion in the Key of C, and then later on purchase a B-flat if you want to play more Zydeco style.

My Experience:
I purchased an Iolite from ebay for $300, then Larry made it a lot more comfortable to play by putting some good quality straps on it and changing the springs which made it much easier to play. If your starting out make sure and get "You Can Play Cajun Accordion" which includes a 50 page book and 60 minute audio tape

Then I purchased a used Gabinelli King accordion from Leroy Thomas who is one of the top Zydeco players in the country. There is a big difference between a $350 Hohner and a $1000 Gabinelli.

Other great info on starting out:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZUnmod/files/CAFAQ.html

Accordion Workshop (Past)

Who: David Sousa is up for leading the workshop. David has been playing button accordion for 12 years and has been a musician for over 30. David got hooked on zydeco in 1985 after attending a Queen Ida dance, and began playing bass in zydeco bands soon after that. In 1990 he bought his first Cajun accordion and taught himself to play.

More What: Accordion Beginning through More Advanced Techniques in relation to Zydeco playing styles: We can cover the basics of the accordion and learn a basic melody the first hour and then progress to playing a song using intermediate/advanced techniques. If there is a specific song that you would like covered please email me back ?

Techniques covered:
Playing Octaves
Different Playing Positions
Squeezing/Bellows shakes Emphasis
Various Playing Styles
Rhythms and timing of Zydeco music
Basic melody & tablature of Nooney's Zydeco Extravaganza song - Greg w/share

Video reviews: I will bring all the instructional accordion video's I have if your interested in checking them out on their big screen tv.

When: Workshop is from 1-4pm, with optional freebie slow jam at 12pm for those interested

Cost: $15 donation requested. 1/2 the money collected will go toward an Accordion fund to purchase an extra accordion for new folks to play with who don't currently own an accordion. The extra accordion could also go out on "loan" to one of the new folks after the workshop to practice with to see if they take to it enough to buy their own.

Drawing: Will give away a Bon Cajun Accordion T-Shirt

Slow Jam: If your interested in doing a little freebie slow jam at 12pm before the workshop let me know and we can give it a go.

Where: Java Lanes, 3800 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, 90804
TAKE THE 405 FWY TO LAKEWOOD, go south 1 mile, turn right at the roundabout, and drive up the hill. Java Lanes is on the left, plenty of parking. Java Lanes Info (562) 597-5558

Map Link: http://www.zydecoach.com/images/javalanesmap3.jpg

Accordion: If you need one to use let me know of if you have one your willing to let someone else use please let me know. (619) 857-8409 or gbenusa @ pacbell.net

Reservations: Not required but if your planning on going please let me know so I have an idea of the numbers and also incase there are any unforeseen changes you can be notified. 619-857-8409 or gbenusa @ pacbell.net

Self directed Lesson w/Accordion

Online Lessons:

Here is a great new web site with Cajun accordion lessons: http://www.bignick.net/BoxLessons/boxlesson_Index.htm

The following web site Ganey has is going to start online lessons. http://www.arsement.com

Accordion Manufacturers:

Here is a great web page David Sousa recommended for Accordion Manufacturers
http://www.meloche.net/builders.htm

Internet Recommendations:

All the new updated Zydeco/Cajun Accordion information is now on www.ZydecoAccordion.com

The old information below will be pulled from the site in a few weeks...