Join Anthony Schulz, a music educator and accordionist with over 50 years of experience, for a one-day Accordion Workshop: From Practice Room to Performance.
Accordionists from early intermediate to advanced levels are invited to attend this all-inclusive event. This workshop integrates Aural Perception (hearing), Music Theory (understanding), and instrument practice and playing techniques (doing) through the exploration of specific repertoire.
Participants will participate in an interactive experience of playing with a guitar and double bass rhythm section on the day.
Participant levels: Early intermediate to advanced. A basic knowledge of music is essential (note names and rhythmic values).
Date: Sunday November 1, 2026
Venue: Kensington Town Hall – Supper Room
Address: 30/34 Bellair St, Kensington
Time: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Cost: $350.00
What to bring on the day: An accordion, a music stand.
Note: Workshops are designed to be experiential and accessible. Participant numbers are capped to ensure optimal experience.
Participants will explore:
• Effective practice strategies
• Aural perception and music theory
• Bellows technique and musical expression
• Playing with a professional rhythm section
Resources and Preparation: Participants will be provided with digital resources including links to recordings in advance of the workshop.
Schedule
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
9:00am – 9:45am | Practice/Warm Up session |
10:00am – 11:00am | Aural Perception and Music Theory 1 |
Break (15 mins) | |
11:15am – 12:00pm | Accordion deep dive |
Break (1 hour) | |
1:00pm – 2:00pm | Aural Perception and Music Theory 2 |
Break (30 mins) | |
2:30pm – 4:00pm | Playing with a Rhythm Section |
4:00pm – 4:30pm | Conclusion |
Workshop Outlines
Practice session (45 mins)
This is a hands-on practice session designed to guide participants through a series of preparatory and warm-up exercises.
This session will incorporate essential elements that can act as a template for developing a sustainable process
Aural Perception and Music Theory 1 (60 mins)
This session introduces participants to the intersection of Aural Perception with Music Theory—how the sound and theory of music come together in practice.
Key topics for this session are:
• Hearing and writing scales
• Hearing and writing intervals
• Hearing and writing rhythms
• Integration of the above in transcription (reproduction through singing, clapping and writing)
Accordion deep dive (30 mins)
Understanding the Bellows.
This session explores the physicality of the bellows and how movement shapes musical expression. Areas for exploration include:
• Balancing the instrument for freedom of movement
• Breathing and musical phrasing
• Shaping long notes
• Articulating short notes
• Using accents with intention
Aural Perception and Music Theory 2 (60 mins)
This session builds on Aural Perception and Music Theory 1 and explores methods of active listening, absorption, and reproduction including internalization and transcription.
Playing with a rhythm section (90 mins)
Participants will play a jazz standard with the backing of a guitar and double bass rhythm section. Individual and group guidance will focus on playing in time, interpretation of the melody, chordal accompaniment, and improvisation.
Participants will be provided with a contemporary song in advance of the workshop with supporting documentation and recordings.
Conclusion (30 mins)
A time for further question-and-answer, group discussion and final comments.