Please, no more 'Hot cross buns'!..

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

I still think that straightforward tunes, are fair enough to use, as the ones you describe in example, but when extremely  basic ones are frequently featured it can also discourage beginners, by them always expecting that, that is all there is they can aim for. Many good tunes are very simple, of course, but I do believe that if learners are encouraged to extend their expectations, it can only be of benefit in the long run.

 

[Randy Stein]

I've been reading the replies. In spite of my better judgement, I'm adding my thoughts to the discussion.

 

Hot Cross Buns is merely a well known kids tune that can easily be learned on any musical instrument. Like Twinkle Star or Mary's Lamb. It's a vehicle to hear, touch, play (the Professor Harold Hill method). Teaching to the tune is a great gateway to playing the concertina, regardless the system.

Learning the specifics and techniques to playing Anglo, EC or Duet systems, that's another matter. Sitting with other players during a session or playing one on one is a great way to learn. Taking lessons is too. A few years back I had the pleasure to teach a self taught player. She was a wonderful musician and we had only to work on her bellow control and some simple playing techniques to improve the way she played. By the same token I am working with a student with very minimal music training and a desire to play the EC. We start with just the fundamentals of bellow control, fingering, phrasing and expand from there.

You have to meet a person who wants to learn to play where they are at that moment. For some, Hot Cross Buns or even Shepherd's Hey are great starting points. For others, a simple Bach arrangement (see attached). 

The rest is commentary. Go and learn. MENUET II for beginners.pdf

Edited March 23, 2023 by Randy Stein

[Clive Thorne]

Contrary to Simon's view, I think that the simple tunes that you already know (i.e. you can hum or whistle them) can be a very good starting point (especially if you don't read the dots), be it hot cross buns or whatever. Shepherds Hey is very useful because you only need 4 buttons to play it in it's basic form, and all on the right hand (Anglo) (ignoring the octave drop if in C). Even if you only play it in the first week or so it is a good starting point for a complete beginner. I am a bit beyond complete beginner but chose Shepherds Hey as my first foray into playing in D (G/C anglo) and then into F,  and playing in G on the C row.

 

I'd have thought an absolute beginner would be more likely to be put off by tackling a more complicated tune and struggling rather than playing a "boring" tune reasonably well. Why would you want to make life difficult for yourself/them?

 

And, as for Hot Cross Buns. Double buttered for me. First coat to melt and soak in, then more cold butter to sit on the surface. Same as crumpet really. What do you mean, heart attack?

 

 

Edited March 23, 2023 by Clive Thorne

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

The thing is, you have to eat them quickly or they go cold in no time! Even if warmed up the  plate beforehand in oven!😊

[Anglo-Irishman]

2 hours ago, SIMON GABRIELOW said:

they go cold in no time

As I remember hot crossed buns, they weren't hot in the sense of "very warm", but hot in the sense of "spicy"! So they stay "hot" however slowly you eat them.

Cheers,

John

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

Oh, you haven't got an oven like my one .. it's truly horrific ..horribly made, and very basic indeed.. so things soon get cold once turned off!!!!😄

Edited March 24, 2023 by SIMON GABRIELOW