Jim2010

If I remember correctly, the first Jewish mayor of Dublin was in the 1600s. So, I imagine there have been many 'Jews in Irish Music." I have visited the Irish Jewish museum and can recommend it. https://jewishmuseum.ie/

Speaking as a longtime guitarist, you might consider adding melodic texture (echoing or varying the melodies, adding single line harmony to them, etc.) rather than concentrating on adding/duplicating harmonic texture, along the lines of a flute or saxophone player backing up a singer.

Didie, Congratulations! You keep advancing in the direction of more and more beautiful sound.

Congratulations on the smooth TSA encounter. Best wishes for a rewarding trip.

Beautiful, beautiful. And I have played it on the lute (and guitar).

If I am staying in a hotel, I usually have a few options. I can practice early in the morning in the "exercise" room or laundry room (rarely anyone there but sometimes it isn't easy to turn off the TV). Sometimes there is access to a meeting room or restaurant/bar that isn't used during the day. I sometimes ask a staff member if there is somewhere I can practice "so I won't disturb anyone." If weather permits, I find a park or other outside seating area. During inclement weather, I find an enclosed parking lot or a little trafficked section of a public building (such as a bus/train station, convention center, university building).* Even when people are around, they are usually more curious and interested than annoyed. Be polite and leave immediately without debate (apologizing when appropriate) if asked to move. * For example, In Charlottesville I have practiced in the Paramount Theater, The Sprint Pavilion, and the bus station.

Wonderful, two jokes in one!

I also recommend Flow, by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly. The current ISBN numbers are: SBN-13: 978-0061339202 ISBN-10: 9780061876721 An internet search for "Flow Mihaly Csikszentmihaly" results in a number of lectures and articles that may be of interest.

Consistent with what Randy is talking about is this website by music psychologist/violinist Noa Kageyama who teaches at Julliard. Essentially, he explains the difference in practice methods between top performers (in music, sports, etc.) and the rest of us. It offers best practice practices. I have read and later reread the free sections and it has helped me practice much more efficiently—learning more in less time—and enjoying it more. https://bulletproofmusician.com/

The advice that is often given when people ask "What kind or concertina should I get?" (English, Anglo, or Duet) is listen to concertina recordings/performances, decide what inspires you the most, and get the type of concertina used in the performance. In your case, it seems like you are essentially looking for a smaller lighter instrument to substitute for your accordion. If I am correct about that, duet concertinas seem like the logical starting point. But which type, Hayden, Crane, Maccann)? There is a website that presents recordings of all three types of duets: http://www.concertinas.org.uk/DuetAudio.htm Youtube is another good place to hear various types of concertinas. After listening to some of the recordings, you might be in a better position to decide which or IF any of them sound the way you would hope them to sound if you went to the trouble of finding one and learning how to play it. Just finding an instrument that has the notes you need is just one aspect of it. Do concertinas (any type) have the sound you are looking for?

Did you look at the Peacock Hayden Duet by the Concertina Connection? http://www.concertinaconnection.com/peacock.htm You might also look at Crane Duets (a different fingering pattern than Hayden) that have 48 or more buttons. Harder to find, but you could ask people here on concertina.net.

Something that might be of additional interest to you is that the Concertina Connection offers the option of Hayden Duets with mirrored left hands, with accordionists in mind.

If your preference would be to stick with accordion if you can find one light enough, accordionists.info is a great site for information about all things accordion. Very friendly and helpful people. Smythes Accordion Center and Liberty Bellows sell accordions of all sizes and sometimes have Hayden duets in stock. Smythes currently have a Concertina Connection (concertinaconnection.com) Troubador Hayden duet in stock. Liberty Bellows currently has a Concertina Connection (concertinaconnection.com) Elise Hayden duet in stock. http://www.smythesaccordioncenter.com/ https://www.libertybellows.com/

Along the lines of what John wrote, I want to add something about notation from personal experience. I was a classical guitar player (staff notation) prior to playing Renaissance lute (tablature). Staff notation tells you the pitch of the notes and also the duration of all the notes (you are left to figure out which strings and frets will enable you to play it). Renaissance lute tablature tells you the strings and frets to play the various notes, but it only tells you the duration of some of the notes. When it comes to the duration of the other notes, you are left to figure that out for yourself, based on your knowledge of harmony/counterpoint.

Here are some variations that might provide further inspiration Here are some American variations by Charles Ives that might inspire some additional concertina versions.