6-14/7/18, Musical Yards, Ikaria

"The Accordion: Its Role and Evolution in the Popular Music of the Main Urban Centers of the Greek Area During the First Half of the 20th Century"

The accordion, introduced to the eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans in the mid-late 19th century, played a significant role in the folk musical idioms of the region. Lightweight, portable, and easy to use, it empowered folk musicians to play and sing in various settings, fostering self-reliance and independence. This seminar aims to explore the accordion's popular utilization in this region, focusing on its repertoire and evolution. The timeframe for examination spans from the early days of discography and the first 78-turn records to its overshadowing by the electric harmonium post-1950s.

The seminar is designed for both amateur and professional accordionists or anyone with a love or curiosity for this distinctive musical tradition. Over the course of seven days, totaling 21 hours (3 hours each day), participants will delve into the theoretical aspects on the first day, followed by an in-depth exploration of the structural characteristics (road, rhythm, accompaniment, taximi) of different folk music pieces each subsequent day.

Each day's focus on a different musical work allows for interdisciplinary practice on street performance, rhythm, accompaniment, and improvisation within the live repertoire of the accordion. The teaching methodology involves studying recordings and experiential learning during the seminar hours. Prior to the seminar, participants will receive scores and audio samples of the works to be covered, enabling them to familiarize themselves with the material in advance.