The Noel Hill Web Site - Noel Hill Irish Concertina School

Noel Hill Irish Concertina School FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions; Hints & Tips for New and Potential Students

Written/compiled by Paul Schwartz.
Feel free to e-mail me at paul@concertina.net if you have any additional questions. I'd also recommend reading this article by Ken Coles.

I really can't play the concertina at all. Should I learn some on my own first before attending the school?
Time and time again people regret the fact that they waited before coming to the course, as they then had many self-taught habits to break or change. It's easier and less frustrating to start right, so by all means do register even if you've never picked up a concertina. There are usually always a few people at this level and they progress nicely during the 5 days of the course and leave with plenty of great material to practice during the rest of the year.

Do I need to be able to read music?
Sheet music is handed out in class, but the emphasis is certainly not on reliance on sheet music and students are encouraged to record everything and commit the tunes to memory as soon as possible. Still, if you don't know the basics, some of your class time will be spent learning to read music, so you might want to take a few lessons from a local music teacher (a piano teacher for example) so you can concentrate more on the music. It also helps to know where the most often-used notes are on your concertina, so you might want to take a little time before you arrive to familiarize yourself with the key layout of your concertina (Suttner Concertinas has basic layouts at the bottom of this page which you can print out.)

What kind of concertina do I need? Will a 20-button model do?
There are usually a very wide range of instruments at the courses. These range from inexpensive 20-key Italian or German-made concertinas, to valuable vintage instruments such as Jeffries and Wheatstones -- and everything in between. If you're just starting out, a 30-key instrument is ideal for Irish music as it allows you to play in virtually any key and strikes a nice balance between versatility and ease of handling (the more keys an instrument has, the heavier it weighs). Still, Noel himself started on a big cheap 20-key East-German instrument and so can you. If you can afford it though, a 30-key Stagi will be better, and a $1500-$2000 30-key Button Box, Tedrow, Edgley, Herrington, Marcus, Norman or other such instrument makes an ideal instrument for the serious beginner or intermediate student. Beyond that are the vintage and new instruments such as those made by Lachenal, Jeffries, Wheatstone, Dipper, Suttner and Dickinson.

I'm not very familiar with Irish music and I want to play in other styles too. Will the school still by useful for me?
Yes, absolutely. Most of the handling, fingering, bellows control and other techniques are applicable to all styles of music. The Irish music learned in class is often very varied too, and -- besides jigs and reels -- often includes flings, slides, hornpipes, polkas and other less-common types of tunes. Besides some new, interesting and often challenging tunes which are "concertina-friendly" and sure to spice up your repertoire, you'll also learn variations on some familiar tunes which will breathe new life into these "classics".

Can family members come too? Are there other activities?
Yes and no. These are intensive courses, and when you're not in class, you'll probably want to be practicing, and besides the evening concert by Noel, there's not much entertainment for non-participants. There are often a few family members who come along, but be sure to bring plenty of reading material (!), and please contact the course administrator (see the home page for contacts) to make sure that there is space and to arrange for accomodations and food as needed. I would not recommend bringing children along.

Can I make recordings?
Yes, you're welcome to record everything at the course. All recordings (audio and/or video) and class material (sheet music, handouts) are strictly for personal use and enjoyment only. Please do not share them or make them available through any means (including online, web pages, email). Ask Noel for permission if you have any questions or special requests in this regard.

What should I bring?

Minidisc or tape recorder, with headphones
Microphone
10 blank tapes/discs (better to have too many, as there may be nowhere nearby to purchase more.)
Battery charger / enough batteries for 15 hours of recording/playback
Folding music stand (optional, but handy while practicing to avoid neck strain)
Binder to hold sheet music/handouts
Pens and pencils
Swimsuit & Towel(s)
Camera and film (camcorders welcome too)
If it's going to be hot, you might want to pack a table fan (I did in 2000 and it was nice)