Instructor

[betsynmn]

I'm trying to find an instructor for an Anglo Concertina in the Seacoast NH / Newburyport MA area. My boyfriend wants to learn how to play his concertina. I had the brilliant idea of trying to give him lessons for Christmas but I'm having trouble finding an instructor. Can anyone help? Thanks very much and Happy Holidays to all!

[David Barnert]

We need to know what flavor of Concertina it is, because they are all played very differently. Quick rule of thumb:

 

If it's as big as a breadbox and square, it's probably a Chemnitzer (rare in the east, more common in the midwest) and it is unlikely you'll find anybody here or in New England who can help you.

 

If it is smaller than a breadbox and polygonal, you've got a much better shot:

 

Does each button play the same note on the pull and on the squeeze? If not, it is almost certainly an Anglo (2 or 3 curved rows of 5 or 6 buttons).

 

If the notes are the same:

 

Does it have loops to put your thumbs through? That would make it an English with 4 columns of buttons.

 

If no loops, does it have straps to put your hand through? That would make it one of several "duet" concertinas.

 

Have you been in touch with the Button Box in Amherst, MA (squeeze@buttonbox.com)? They might know who's up there.

 

See Bignick's Concertina Spotters' Guide for pictures and details.

Edited December 19, 2003 by David Barnert

[Ken_Coles]

betsynmn,

With due thanks to David, you did mention Anglo right up front...

 

You are very close to a great gathering of fine players. The next Friday afternoon you are free, hie yourself off to the Press Room in Portsmouth N.H. Between 4:30 and 8 or 9 P.M. you will find a song and jam session. Some of the concertinists known to show up there are

Tom Hall (host, English concertina, esp song accompaniment. A conertina.netter)

Chris Stevens (awesome on Irish-style anglo)

Jeff Warner (songs with English, and a walking encyclopedia of sea music in general)

Emery Hutchins (plays Irish on anglo, also in the Angel Band).

also Ken Sweeney(English), Bob Webb (Maccann duet), etc., etc.

 

You get the idea. I don't know if any of them give formal lessons, but they all share hints. Unlike many who ask here, you are in the middle of a bunch of players. I won't get up there again until Jan. 8 at the earliest, as I'm using my school break to return to Indiana for R and R. I play mostly anglo (both songs and Irish) but am also a beginner on English.

 

Hope to meet you and/or your friend soon.

 

Ken Coles

Leominster, Mass.

[David Barnert]

With due thanks to David, you did mention Anglo right up front...

Oops. So she did.

 

Never mind.

 

 

I can't find a red-faced smiley.

[JimLucas]

I can't find a red-faced smiley.

Send a request to Invision to add it to their product?