Murray

I am Murray, I have nearly 30 years of experience performing and teaching piano and button accordion (and more years playing experience.) I started playing as a child where I would play solo and in chamber music, I then went on to study classical accordion at The Royal Academy of Music in London. Since graduating from the Academy I have been privileged to play in venues all over the UK and Europe with an array of bands and orchestras to performing solo as far abroad as in China. Some of the prestigious venues and events I have had the honour of playing include, The Royal Albert Hall, Celtic Connections, The BBC Proms, Sidmouth International Festival, Folk Est Italy, Festival Interceltic de Lorient France and most recently Glastonbury Festival.

Because I am classically trained I have played with many orchestras and chamber groups, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic, Northern Sinfonia, Scottish Ballet, Opera North, Almeida Opera and Scottish Chamber Orchestras.
My current involvements as a traditional player are in bands such Hérétique, Dodo Street, Captain of the Lost Waves, Summerhayes and and a trio performing the music and songs of Edith Piaf.

Over the years I have been lucky to work in multiple fields of music and so I’m in the privileged position to help you, no matter the style you wish to play.
My lessons are tailor made to help you to develop your playing, no matter what level you are at. Guidance can be given on piano or button accordion, stradella or free bass.
If you are looking to start your journey on the accordion, I am able to help you to avoid the many pitfalls that people often fall into.
For those who are already playing, I can help you to fine tune your technique in order to bring the best out of your playing.

If you have an important concert or an examination coming up, I am happy to work with you in preparation for this.
With focus on the core techniques of posture, bellows control, tone production and left hand technique, you can improve your playing immensely. Detailed guidance on the musical elements of your playing, such as articulation, phrasing, dynamics and structure, combined with a solid technical foundation, will ensure that you are able to progress as an accordionist and be advance with the confidence that you have all the tools you need.

Experienced professional musician offering Accordion lessons in the York area for abilities and styles.

In addition to teaching and playing the accordion I also sell them (and other free reed instruments) and have been for 13 years. I do this at various festivals and in my shop [contact detail removed], where your accordion lesson will take place.

Availability: By appointment

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: For 20 years I have been privileged to help people develop their playing and to bring their best out of their music. Working at all levels I have taught from absolute beginners at primary schools, as head of accordion at the Chetham’s School of Music and at a number of Universities. I am a regular tutor at Halsway Manor for their summer weekend workshops, group workshops at various folk festivals such as Gower, Sidmouth, Southwell and Cheltenham. I have also taught group workshops at the Hands on Music weekend in Witney and the GFS weekend in Glasgow.
I have been a guest tutor on the Folk and Traditional Music Course at Newcastle University, Bangor University, Liverpool’s Hope University, Leeds College of music and Leeds University and The Orkney Traditional Music Project.
I was also the accordion teacher and musical director for the Fosbrook Folk Education Trust for four years.