The accordion is a free-reed aerophone, characterized by its portability and ability to simultaneously perform melody and harmonic accompaniment. Its morphology is divided into three main sections: two wooden resonance chambers (the keyboards) joined by an expandable central bellows, constructed from pleated cardboard and covered in leather or fabric. The right-hand manual is generally used for melody, using a piano-type keyboard or chromatic buttons. The left-hand manual manages the basses and pre-formed chords (Stradella system) or individual notes (free basses).
Acoustically, sound is generated by the movement of the bellows, which creates air pressure or suction. When the instrumentalist presses a key, a valve opens, forcing air to pass through small metallic slits where the free reeds (thin steel lamellae) are fixed. The vibration of these lamellae, without striking any physical surface, produces the instrument's characteristic and expressive sound.
Historically, the acoustic principle of the free reed derives from the Chinese sheng, introduced to Europe in the 18th century. The accordion was patented in Vienna, in 1829, by Cyrill Demian. During the 19th century, the mechanism was substantially improved, ensuring its rapid global adoption.
Teachers
Courses with this instrument
Vitor Mira (1976) began his musical studies at the age of 8 in Montemor-o-Novo in private lessons with Prof. José António Mougueira, having completed the Official Accordion Course in 2000 at the Instituto Musical Vitorino Matono, in Lisbon, in the class of Prof. José António Anselmo de Sousa, and completed his Professional Qualification through the Universidade Aberta in 2013.
Attended instrumental masterclasses led by internationally renowned professors such as V. Semyonov, Friedrich Lips, Vladimir Zubitsky, and Maximilliano Pitocco.
Attended the Accordion Orchestras of the Instituto Musical Vitorino Matono, in Lisbon, under the guidance of Prof. Vitorino Matono, and also the Orchestra of Prof. Joaquim Raposo under his own direction.
Participated in several accordion competitions, where they obtained two second places in the National Competition in Alcobaça (1996 and 1997).
They have participated as jury members in several National and International competitions and have dedicated most of their lives to teaching and the search for new learning and improvement methodologies, more focused on students and teachers.
He began his career as an Accordion teacher at the Escola de Música Casa Espadinha in Montemor-o-Novo in 1996, and currently teaches at the Conservatório de Música de Loulé - Francisco Rosado and the Conservatório de Música de Albufeira.