Matthew Heumann

Fellow Squeezers: In spite of my distain for recording myself or performing in public, friends in the U.S., Canadian, and British concertina community have encouraged me (given that many of the “older” players are passing -but I’m only 70) to post some audio or video of my playing. So I've set up a non-commercial, non-revenue, Youtube channel with some of my English Concertina playing (none are studio recordings, just older sound and video files casually playing alone or with friends). I’m self-taught (began with a Lachenal English in 1973), and for the most part have played in isolation, which may account for my distinct quirks (style?). I may at some point do some new original recordings and videos. I do have sheet music for some of the tunes played and would be glad to email it for free. Enjoy the recordings and feel free to share or pass them on. Requests for sheet music at: braeburnmusic1028@gmail.com —-Matt Heumann “Matt’s Concertina” channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ39yMkIbV7fAKF0IV4qpaQ

Diana: Sorry it took a while to respond. If you email me your email address to: braeburnmusic1028@gmail.com I'll be glad to record an mp3 for you, I don't want to take up Concertina.net bandwidth with an mp3. ---Matt

For Sale: Lachenal 48-button English treble. Inside label of "J.J Vickers" predates 1923 -in very good condition -ebony sided w/ metal ends, plating in excellent condition -action good, tone mellow -bellows in good condition -original leatherette box -recently tuned -was asking $2,200, now reduced (given the Hard Times) to $1,700 -includes regular UPS shipping and insurance (in USA) -instrument sent when check/money order clears *My good friend Frank Edgley of Edgley Concertinas is familiar with this instrument and agrees with its condition and fair asking price.---Matt Heumann, Chelsea MI, USA Inquiries to: braeburnmusic1028@gmail.com

Ian: I agree most people make bad beer, but I'm not as much a drinker as a cook, and I'm very fussy about taste---My British and Scottish friends and relatives say my REAL ALE is the REAL DEAL and its good enough for me. Enough said on the subject of beer! Hope some day you can make it over for some music! ---Matt

Some thoughts on the importance of practice: When I started playing in 1973, I practiced hours a day for the first 10 years. I got faster and cleaner and had a huge tune list, but never really grew or improved as a concertina player until I started playing a variety of types of music in a variety of keys. Only then did the instrument and I become as one. I always knew where my fingers were and where to go whether playing from ear or sheet music. Quantity of practice is not as important as quality of practice. Are you learning new things? Are you training your fingers or just your memory? I consider myself a concertina player first: whether the music is Irish, Scottish, English, American, traditional or Classical is a secondary concern. Also, don't learn someone else's style, it'll cripple you. Develop your own. Many years ago I was criticized for not sounding like Alistair Anderson (including from Alistair), but lately several Englishmen have thanked and praised me for it! Too many concertina players are learning to sound exactly like one or two famous players and individual style has gone down the crapper (I blame standardized competition judging for that). If you develop a unique style and a play unique tunes, you will stand out more than if you were just another session noise.

Now that I'm retired, I find I have lots of time to help tutor English Concertina players who want a few pointers on playing Scottish, Irish, English, and other instrumental pieces with tricky fingerings as well as song accompaniment. I've been an advanced player for over 30 years and have taught at both the Northeast Squeeze-In and Celtic College in Ontario. I've composed over 400 pieces for English Concertina and am currently busy creating English Concertina arrangements for traditional folksongs. We have a lovely 40 acre Nature Preserve just west of Ann Arbor, Michigan and can put one or two people up at a time for a few days of intensive concertina technique, songs, and general fol-der-ol. We make our own British ales, artisan breads, and lots of ethnic cookery. You may camp on the property if you prefer, or use the guest room. I can even give your instrument a looking over while you're here, and give repair and tuning advise. There is no charge for any of this, but you're always welcome to pitch in on meal costs. A few of you have already joined us and had a great time. Aug-April is best, because of our busy land maintenance schedule in Spring and early Summer. Beginners and Advance players are equally welcome! If interested, Contact Matt Heumann, Braeburn Cottage, 1028 Sylvan Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118 or email: braeburnmusic1028@gmail.com

For Sale: Lachenal 48-button English treble. Inside label of "J.J Vickers" predates 1923 -in very good condition -ebony sided w/ metal ends, plating in excellent condition -action good, tone mellow -bellows in good condition -original leatherette box -recently tuned -was asking $2,200, now reduced (given the Hard Times) to $1,700 -includes regular UPS shipping and insurance (in USA) -instrument sent when check/money order clears *My good friend Frank Edgley of Edgley Concertinas is familiar with this instrument and agrees with its condition and fair asking price.---Matt Heumann, Chelsea MI, USA Inquiries to: braeburnmusic@gmail.com

Ken: Wow, thanks for the flattering endorsement. Winter's been great, -12F, dry, hell, I haven't needed bug repellant for weeks. If you'd like some of these tunes email directly at braeburnmusic1028@gmail.com

I (English treble player & composer for 37+ yrs) have English Concertina arrangements for several traditional folksongs I wish to share. They are in MUS format which will open, play and print in Finale, Notepad, or the free "Finale Reader". These are not simple chords, but full arrangements with intros and bridges, much in the flavor of Alf Edwards accompaniments, which add unique instrumental character to each tune. I can also email pdf files if you wish, but they cannot play for you as MUS files would. I strongly recommend downloading the free Finale Reader at: www.finalemusic.com/Reader/ , so you can hear the arrangements as they were meant to sound. The arrangements are unusual because they often play "above the voice" so as not to drown it out. Sorry, I don't "DO" ABC format. Tune arrangements available include: The Foggy Dew As I was Going to Banbury While Cruising Round Yarmouth Bonny Ship the Diamond Shearer's Dream Shearing in a Bar Rigs of the Time Bluey Brink Don't Have Any More Mrs. Moore The Coachman The Beggar Rolling Down to Old Maui Queer Bungle Rye Pirate Serenade Sing Arrg If you're a Pirate Off to Sea Once More Married to a Mermaid Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy If my arrangements are in the wrong key for your voice, just email back and I'll transpose it into any key you wish. Attached are sample pdf files arrangement of "Adieu, sweet Lovely Nancy" & "Married to a Mermaid" You can request arrangements from me directly at braeburnmusic1028@gmail.com ---Matt Heumann Adieu__Sweet_Lovely_Nancy.pdf Married_to_a_Mermaid.pdf