I started playing both the accordion and the piano at about the age of 5. I recall playing duets with my mom prior to going to school, circa 1st – 4th grade. I’d have to give these dates more thought! But in 1958 and 1959 I traveled with my parents to NYC to participate in Accordion Championship contests. I recall lugging a 120 base accordion on the bus, to travel from my town to the next city, Bridgeport; then haul it up 3 flights of stairs. I bet the accordion case turned on end was about 1/2 my height. And in those days, it was OK to ride the bus alone. Not today!!! Parents would probably get slapped with a risk of injury to a minor charge. In the summer, I recall the accordion being heavy and the rivets digging into my thighs. I remember using a terry cloth towel for protection. At some point, maybe 5th or 6th grade, I put the accordion away, and concentrated on taking only piano lessons. I did so until I was 18 years old. My mom also played the violin, and she ABSOLUTELY REFUSED my request to take violin lessons. I seem to remember her saying something that she would not put up with screeching!
Please click on the image below to open a PDF document in regard to the contests.
In my travels of searching for stuff, I unearthed a little booklet that I did when in elementary school. I will eventually post the page where I had written that I owned a red accordion.
