I'm looking into buying one or two tutors for B/C accordion. I'm not too much after notation of tunes as I'm learning by ear anyway, more after technique tips...any recommendations? The Damien Connolly tutor looks promising, however I've no idea if it really is, or what else might fit the bill.

Thanks in advance for hints!

I have the P.J. Hernon on vhs. He shows you how to play some basic scales, a few ornaments and a few tunes that he teaches first, then performs them later with other musicians. I liked his teaching style but I had problems with the video tape so I only got through it a couple of times.
I don't have a VHS player anymore so I can't go back and watch it.

The one by Peter Brown is interesting to watch because Peter Brown shows a lot of advanced techniques. He is a better player than he is a teacher. Unfortunatly my copy is also in VHS.

Mad for Trad with Derek Hickey. Basic scales, tunes and some ornaments but it is hard to pick up because there aren't many close ups to really see the techniques. The material is comprised of poor quality video clips with no personal teaching. Don't waste your money!

The Box (w/cd) A book and tutor with CD. Scales, tunes, ornaments with some actual teaching from the author. In my opinion its just a book with a CD so it is rather limited. The author uses a wet tuning on his accordion so it is hard to really hear what his is doing when he adds the ornaments, basses and plays the tune fast. I don't really care much for that kind of sound and it is hard for me to listen to. You can learn a few basic techniques and a few tunes.

The Damien Connolly tutor looks really good but I haven't tried it. It seems to be the hottest tutor on the market. A book with the help of a DVD. You can go on his website and look at the table of contents for the materials. Looks promising!

Hope this helps!
Nate

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Whistling in the Rockies!!

Thanks for your reply, Nate. I ordered the Damien Connolly tutor and will let you know what I think of it. I don't have a VHS player anymore, so those older tutors won't do it for me neither...

I like the Damien Connolly tutor, as I just got it two weeks ago. He gives a lot of different variations of ornamentation. I find it very helpful. It is slow, close up, and easy to follow.

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"In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart." John Bunyan

How long did it take to get to you? I ordered on August 8th via his website and received nothing so far.

Wow, that's strange. He shipped it immediately to me. I received it within 3 days I think. I know it takes a lot longer for international. Has he sent you a message? He sent me one, telling me my package was on its way.

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"In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart." John Bunyan

Nope, nothing. I'll send him an email.