The Accordion

The accordion is a fun, squeezy instrument. It has two boxes connected by a folding part called a bellows. You push and pull the bellows with your hands to make air move. At the same time, you press keys or buttons to pick the notes.

How It Works

When you squeeze the bellows, air flows over small metal parts called reeds. The reeds shake and make sound, kind of like a harmonica inside a box. One hand plays the melody on keys or buttons. The other hand plays chords and bass notes. You also hold straps over your shoulders to help carry it.

Accordion Music

The accordion is used in many folk music styles. In Mexico, it is a big part of norteno and Tejano music. In France, people play it in cafes. In Italy and Ireland, it is used in dance music. Accordions show up in polka, zydeco, and many other happy tunes around the world.

Fun Facts

• The accordion was invented in the 1820s in Europe.
• Some accordions have over 100 buttons.
• Accordion players are sometimes called squeeze-box players.

Did You Know?

Accordions were once so popular in the United States that there were more accordion players than guitar players in the 1950s.