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I'm Akochun, a ferruginous pygmy owl who's good at playing the accordion. Let me show you the world of bellows instruments!

Accordion, concertina and bandoneon

Explore how bellows instruments work, where they came from, and the people who play and make them. Read sourced guides and open playable sheet music.

Instrument types

Compare accordions, concertinas, and bandoneons with sourced keyboard diagrams.

Follow the bellows, key, valve, and free reed to see how an accordion produces a note.

Browse scores with source citations, playable notation, and practice controls.

Trace documented milestones from early patents to regional music traditions.

Explore performers and their connections to the instruments and repertoire.

Hear how rhythm and accompaniment change the character of a familiar tune.

Practice bellows control, articulation, and left-hand accompaniment.

Explore makers, their instruments, and the places where they worked.

fisarmonica.org

An information site for bellows instruments