Randy Stein

One of my students asked me to do a simple arrangement for her of this tune from 1967 by Bob Thiele and George Weiss and Made famous by Louis Armstrong. Of course I added a few extra chords. I also have a new camera and working on making a video with it. Kids still learning... All just for fun

Thanks. Don't mind spending a little coin if I can get what I want

I'm a PC guy. Always have been. I'm looking for a new recording app for Android systems. I am curious if any other PC users have had a good app experience. Please, this is not a discussion about iOS vs PC. Thanks

If you live in the eastern half of North America (the western side of the continent is organizing a separate event), please consider participating in the Eastern North America Online Concertina Concert 2022 (ENAOCC2022 -- pronounced ee-nay-och 2022), you are hereby invited to become part of events occurring around the world on February 6th, 2022, as part of the International Concertina Association’s celebration of the 220th anniversary of the birth of Sir Charles Wheatstone! ENAOCC2022 will be a collection of videos that will be released on February 6th in a YouTube event where concertina-lovers around the world can watch the concert together and interact in a simultaneous live chat. To submit a video for the event, please follow these instructions: Let us know that you would like to submit a video by sending an email to ENAOCC2022@gmail.com and we’ll send you detailed information on how to format your video and where to submit your video Create a video of your performance that is no longer than 5 minutes – be sure to include in the video your name, the names of any others who are involved in your performance, the name of the tune, and the name of the composer (if known). You can also include information on the history of your tune or other concertina-relevant information but your entire video can be no longer than 5 minutes. Submit your video no later than January 6th, 2022. On February 6th, 2022, join old and new concertina friends from around the world to watch ENAOCC2022! If you have questions about ENAOCC2022 or want additional information, please email ENAOCC2022@gmail.com The ICA is organizing many activities to celebrate Wheatstone's birthday and there will be online workshops and jams throughout the day. If you would like to facilitate a live online jam or workshop, there's more info about World Concertina Day at https://concertina.org/world-concertina-day and questions can be sent to WCD@concertina.org. From your ENAOCC2022 organizers: Randy Stein (chief instigator) Jim Besser (we need a realist in the group) Aaron Bittel (someone has to understand the technology) Mary Roth (experienced in herding cats and similar creatures)

Again, masterful playing and arrangement

My polyphonic arrangement. WIP

New show on Hulu called Only Murders In The Building. Steve Martin plays what looks like a 2 row anglo.

Why not just learn the various scales and play in those keys. The advantage of the EC, no?

In addition to performing on the EC I also teach. In the past couple of weeks I've had some conversations that made me think about what one needs to do if they are trying to decide whether or not to take lessons. Here are a few questions I usually ask someone when they contact me about lessons. I also suggest reading Judy Minot's wonderful book, Best Practice: Inspiration and Ideas for Traditional Musicians for additional ideas and suggestions. If you deicide you need or want to improve and expand your abilities to play your concertina, even before you select a teacher, I suggest asking yourself the following: Do I have the time and willingness to practice? Lessons cost time and money for both you and your instructor. Not taking the time to practice wastes both for all parties. Practicing is what directly leads to improvement. What do I want to accomplish in these lessons? Have clear goals and be able to articulate them to yourself and your instructor. My experience is that as one improves goals change and expand. If my lessons are online do I have the technology and bandwidth to support and stream my lessons without issues? If you have someone local and are vaccinated and still take proper precautions, this may not be an issue. Most lessons are now remote and take place online using various streaming applications like Zoom, Skype, etc. Learn or find someone to help you learn the technology. Make sure you have the bandwidth and internet connections to receive an uninterrupted video and audio feed. Also, is the laptop or tablet you plan to use have the proper audio and video capabilities or do you need to upgrade or purchase an external microphone or webcam? Don't understate or overstate your abilities. Lessons are usually crafted to the ability and music of the musician. Be honest with yourself and your instructor on your abilities and musical knowledge. What's better for me: Private or Group lessons? Some people do better when working with a group, even online. Some like the personal one on one of a private lesson that can be personalized and directed to the specification of the individual. There is usually a cost difference which may factor into your decision. Finally, Select the instructor that is right for you. I would revert back to #2 on the list when looking for and deciding on an instructor. Once you decide, think about who and what is a good fit for you. Even after you have started lessons, you or your instructor may decide that someone different or a different approach would suit you better. Don't take it personally. Make the change before you begin to resent taking lessons and defeat the purpose of looking to improve. That's it. Play on.

Registration is now open for the Northeast Squeeze-In. This year it's in the Poconos of PA, Sept 10-12. https://squeeze-in.org/

Pretty awesome, Simon

Listen to Yesterdays By Jerome Kern by Randy Stein 1 on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/CbztY from the 1933 musical "Roberta". Music written by Jerome Kern. Arranged polyphonically for the EC.

https://concertinaguy.medium.com/buy-this-book-da9adfec1a0c

A good friend has written a book for traditional musicians on best practice techniques. It has been read and recommended by some major names in traditional and nontrad music circles. Available today on Amazon Judyminot.com/bestpractice Best Practice Cover-m.webp