Frequently asked
Questions, answered.
If you don't see what you're looking for, get in touch — we're happy to help.
Getting started
Do I need prior musical experience?
While prior musical experience can help in your musical journey, it is not necessary.
Do you offer lessons for beginners?
Yes, we offer instruction to beginners — in fact it's important to have a teacher in the beginning to make sure you don't develop bad habits. Relearning is much harder than learning correctly the first time.
What ages do you work with?
We offer instruction to all ages. Jamie started playing accordion at just 4 years old!
Do I need to own an accordion before my first lesson?
It's best to have your own instrument before your first lesson. If you don't have one yet, see the rentals question below.
Lessons
What lesson lengths are available?
We strongly recommend one-hour lessons.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes — we use Zoom as our digital platform.
How often will I have lessons?
Most students take one lesson per week, which gives enough time to practice between sessions while keeping progress steady.
What styles of music do you specialize in?
The most magical part of the accordion is that there are pockets of accordion-specific music all over the world — Brazilian forró, Italian, French, Georgian Caucus, Klezmer, Zydeco, jazz, classical. We both have experience playing all of these genres. We met over our shared love of Brazilian forró music.
Do you offer instrument rentals?
We don't directly offer instrument rentals, but we can help you find and get set up with an instrument.
Fees & scheduling
How do I sign up for lessons?
Please contact us at emeraldcityaccordion@gmail.com.
How much do lessons cost?
Tuition varies based on session length and whether it is paid monthly or quarterly. Get in touch for current rates.
What is the introductory lesson, and how much does it cost?
Every new student is invited to a one-time 30-minute introductory lesson for $40.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that things come up. We ask that you give us 24 hours notice — otherwise you are responsible for paying for the lesson.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal.
Repair & services
What types of accordion repair do you offer?
A full range — reed replacement, bellows repair, bass mechanism service, keyboard repair, tuning, full restorations, and routine cleaning and maintenance.
How do I know if my accordion needs repair?
Common signs are air leaking from the bellows, sticky or unresponsive keys or buttons, buzzing or out-of-tune reeds, and general sluggishness in the action.
Do you offer a free assessment for repairs?
Yes. Bring your accordion in and we'll assess it at no charge, explain what we find, and give you an honest quote before any work begins.
How long does a repair take?
It depends on the scope. Minor repairs can often be turned around quickly; full restorations may take several weeks.
Do you repair all types and brands of accordions?
We work on most types of accordions — piano, button, and diatonic — across a wide range of brands and ages.
Still have a question?
Reach out — we usually reply within a day.