When I was a teenager, I thought that accordions were embarrassing. My dad, who is half Swedish and half Norwegian, grew up with accordions at his grandfather’s house, and his own dad used to play the accordion and sing with my grandma at various churches. I still remember as a child hearing them sing various gospel songs together in their home up in the north woods. Of course Dad learned to play as well, which I found embarrassing in that horrible age between 13-18. (No Dad, don’t take that thing out of the case while the guests are here!) Now, of course, I have a much different perspective.
My dad came by the other day with a small accordion for a young person just William’s age. (11) As I’m writing, William is playing away on it. He’s a piano student so he picked up on the accordion pretty quickly. It’s a cheerful sound through the house as he walks around playing various simple tunes. It’s sort of like sitting at a little European cafe while an accordionist (?) wanders between the tables. Will plays the penny whistle as well, so he takes a break on the accordion and starts on “Amazing Grace” with an Irish flavor when he tires of the other instrument. Before long, he’ll wander back to the piano and play his new exciting piece by Kabalevsky or a Waltz or two. It is rarely quiet around here.
It’s sad to see an instrument disappear from the cultural horizon. Milwaukee used to have all kinds of music influenced by the German founders of our city. Concertina players would abound at corner taverns and polka bands were mandatory at wedding receptions. There used to be entire “orchestras” of kids playing accordions. (That must have been quite a sound.) But, alas, it has become another phase of our city’s culture that has all but vanished. There’s something delightfully counter cultural about having my son playing the accordion tonight instead of, say, spending hours on the internet or turning into a video game zombie. What other home in this city can boast of a live accordion performance of “Oh, Those Golden Slippers” by an 11-year-old? If William’s Swedish and German forebears were here, I think they would be awfully pleased that he’s carrying on the tradition. So if you need a wandering accordion player for an upcoming wedding reception or a summer evening garden party, just drop me a line. 
That’s awesome! I’d love to play accordian. Although when I was ages 6-10, I found accordians rather embarrassing/amusing as well. I had I music teacher at school who played accordian like there was no tomorrow and my friends and I made so much fun of her. She is immensly talented, though.
I remember those sounds you talk about, Ingrid. My Mom played the accordian and my Dad the concertina. Now I wish for those days (though at the time, I didn’t appreciate their muscial talents!) Your home is truely blessed with music and song; how wonderful!!
Isn’t it funny what perspective can do? I too thought the accordian silly and square and “not cool” when I was young (and I pitied my Polish friends who had to take lessons!).
However, when I was in Paris several years ago in line with many tourists to see the Eiffel Tower, there were wandering accordian players providing ambiance and I thought it was lovely!
Dear Ingrid,
What wonderful memories your posts bring back to me, especially today’s!
An accordian, the very size with which your gifted William now serenades the family, was the first instrument I learned to play. Even more special was the music teacher who taught me how – my dear German mother
She was a natural talent – self-taught on many instruments. How I miss her playing hymns on the piano, softly singing praises to the Lord (sorry for the digression….)
I’ve always admired those who’ve mastered the “squeeze box” as they are sometimes called
My current accordian sits quietly in its case, gathering dust 
Please tell William he has inspired me to get these rusty fingers going again! I encourage him (not that he needs any, I’m sure) to keep enjoying – and sharing – his musical gifts.
Ingrid, thank you again for sharing your stories.
Lois
This brought back memories. When I was in Junior High School in Washington state, our Junior High band shared a concert with a local accordian band of junior and senior high school students that were all taught privately. I thought is was a great evening and they all sounded great as I recall. I have never been able to understand the left hand keys on an accordian and how they work or how a person can memorize that conglomorate of keys to get music out of the instrument.
My mother lived in Europe during her teen years and learned to play accordion while there. In fact, they had several accordion players in the school band…my mom included. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my Dad reading from the Gospel of Luke on Christmas Eve and my Mom leading us in Christmas carols while she played the accordion. Unfortunately she had to sell it during tough financial times…and never played again. Your post took me on a wonderful journey down “memory lane”. Thank you so much.
Dear Ingrid,
When I was 9, my parents asked what instrument I would like to play. My sister was taking piano lessons, but my aunt had an accordian which I used to play with. So I chose accordian. My teacher was a wonderful Christian man who taught me by using the hymnbook. Some other material was used for theory, but primarily it was hymns which I learned to play. Every year he had a recital with all of his students which was a sacred concert. This large group of students included accordians, hawaiian guitars, spanish guitars and bass. Then he formed a smaller group called the Musical Messengers which traveled to various churches in the area and also up into Canada. It was a wonderful part of my life which I will never forget and which I enjoyed immensely. Recently I heard a concert accordianist, Mary Tokarski. She is from Connecticut, but was doing a concert here in FL with a string quartet — all classical music. It was truly a wonderful concert and gave me an added appreciation for the accordian. She has played with many orchestras also. Never heard classical music played on an accordian. If you want to learn more about her, go to http://www.ktrio.com.
Thank you for your wonderful, uplifting website and thank you for bringing back some great memories.
Marlene
I think you must have the cheeriest home I know of!! How happy the atmosphere must be hearing all sorts of lovely music all the time!! What a blessing, indeed!!
His,
Mrs. U
Mrs. U’s last post made me remember back to the late-1960s. My recently divorced mother joined a small Bible church and they sent my sister and I (ages 10 and 12) to Phantom Ranch Christian Camp for two weeks. After the first meal, the whole room of campers and staff broke out into “Mansion Over the Hilltop” in several part harmony! My sister and I stared at each other in awe – we had never heard anything more beautiful ! Our favorite time was choir and we were picked with another girl to form a trio. Music truly has an emotional affect – and I am continually amazed at some of the music others feel uplifting!
There are lots of accordion players. Lot’s of folk groups, singer-songwriters, and alternative bands use accordions.
It’s also a super popular instrument in lots of countries. One of the top reviewed albums of 2007, is an album featuring accordion and cello only; ‘Ojos Negros’.