Alfred's Teach Yourself to Play Accordion: Everything You Need to Know to Start Playing Now! (Book, DVD & AVS Code) Paperback – 23 Oct. 2015

I bought this in 2014 but have only just started to learn the accordian (thanks to lockdown) and I have some music knowledge so have got on ok so far without the CD which unfortunatey I have lost. I find this book very good to follow, very clear but not easy if you don't have the CD so I'm now stuck because I don't know if I'm playing it right - any chance of getting another CD or a MP3 download? I've got onto the alternating bass patterns and trying to play Ode to Joy with alternate bass patterns. But stuck. It's a joyous book and I'm really enjoying learning. So, no fault of the author who is incredible. It's my own fault but I can't find anywhere to buy the CD on it's own. Don't really want to have to buy another book :). Any advice greatly received . To conclude, apart from losing the cd, the book is brilliant.

This is probably the best starter accordion book I've encountered and I've used about six other books so far. It's designed for those with no musical background and is fairly readable. You'll need something more detailed to get beyond beginner to intermediate level and to advanced level but it's a good start.After introducing the basics, the author goes on to explore various styles, cajun, blues, french, irish, etc and she even gives a few tips on improvisation and playing with groups. There is a CD included and it's indexed in the text with a CD symbol with the track number - very convenient, easy to follow and aids greatly in learning the techniques and pieces in the book. However, the accordion she plays is a rough old thing that sounds about a hundred years old and in need of decent burial. Something you might buy as a starter instrument for a hundred quid. Paolo Soprani or Fantini it is not!Bottom line: a good book for a beginner.

It was ok didn’t tell you the button chords which was disappointing, the DVD was quite useful but you can’t watch and play because you couldn’t see which buttons were being pressed. More for intermediate level than beginners.

!) I need help to enjoy playing my accordion!2) Both Books are easy to follow, this book teaches different skills that are importent to learn first!3) I recommend the above Books to anyone who would love to play the Accordion and is willing to practice a little and often (as I am still working on)!

UnfortunateLy I purchased the wrong type of book for a birthday present, so I had to return it to Speedyhen. I have not yet heard from them. I am looking for a teach yourself concertina {few buttons only} book, which I said I was happy to exchange if they could provide this. Lois Bennett

The book is everything a beginner could wish for everything in simple language and the cd helping to make sure it is understood. Thanks.

This is one of the best Accordion tutor books I have found. It explains the basics of music well.It has a useful CD to go with each lesson in the book. there is only one section where I am not sure which fingering method should be used

I found the book very helpful....just what I expected. Regards, WB Cuthbert.