Original compositions for accordion in e-format are available for purchase and download or as printed sheet music from distributors Charnwood Music.
Prices for solos and duets: £4.00-£8.00; for ensembles: £18.00.
Original compositions for accordion by Douglas Ward range from classical to jazz, musettes, polkas, tangos, waltzes and novelty pieces. They include accordion solos for Standard (Stradella) Bass and Free Bass instruments, duets, and ensembles.
Please Note: (SB) = Standard Bass; (FB) = Free Bass. Some compositions can be played on both systems. The compositions are listed by title, in alphabetical order. Clicking on “Buy” takes you directly to our distributor, at: www.MusicForAccordion.com then search “Douglas Ward” for all compositions. Thank you.
A COOL THING
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price: £4.00/ Buy
Written in C Major, this elementary piece starts unusually with a bass solo motif. The main treble theme consists of groups of semiquavers and a five-note theme within a six-tone range, although a full octave range is used occasionally. In the second section, the basses have more emphasis, while the treble features sustained notes. Dynamic markings introduce the use of the musical terms ritardando (rit.) and fermata (hold). The final four bars include sustained treble notes, accompanied by uncomplicated basses and chords.
A SUMMER BREEZE
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in the key of C Major, this happy, elementary piece has a lilting melody that flows throughout the treble part. It is accompanied by uncomplicated basses and chords to sustain the rhythmic flow of the piece, but although the written bass chords include major 7ths, these could these could be replaced by major chords instead.
ABACUS
Solo / SB / Grade 3 / Price £5.00 / Buy
Multi-rhythmic in terms of feeling and timing, this piece – written in Eb Major, with a middle section in C Major – varies between 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8 time, although it may well be hard for the listener to notice the subtle changes that occur throughout the piece because they are intricately intertwined. It is a lighthearted, playful, and somewhat whimsical composition that incorporates constant rhythmic interplay between treble and bass, as well as accents and dynamic variations, and requires a technique that is quietly confident.
ABBADABBA ONE
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This short piece is for the beginning student who is learning about 3/4 (waltz) time. There is no introduction, and so the cute melody, with phrasing, starts immediately with two lead-in treble notes. Based in the key of C Major it uses just three bass chords (C, F and G). However, the right hand requires a little more dexterity in fingering and introduces some notes that may not have been reached before, but all are, however, kept within a range of a single octave.
ABOUT TIME
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This jazzy piece is written mainly in 5/4 with an occasional bar or more in 4/4 time, and is written in Eb major. It helps the performer to count with ease because the treble melody is set in phrases that simply flow well across established time zones. The treble melody has, in part, an underlying melodic counterpart. The bass accompaniment includes a catchy two-bar solo (and a little surprise key change), accents and tied notes to support the swinging feel and rhythmic content. It is based on only one three-note chord, so it can be played on both standard bass and free bass instruments.
ACC 515
Solo / SB / Grade 5/ Price £5.00 / Buy
The name of this piece, written in C Major, is taken from the number registration plate on my automobile (ACC for accordion). It has a four bar introduction, while the main theme features a canon-like interplay between treble and bass – a question and answer session that calls for good independent left and right hand control. Written in A-B-A-C-A form, there are thus two middle sections – both in A minor. The second of these has numerous accents in the treble. Then it’s back to C Major main theme for the final stretch, which ends with a bold, final four-note chrd in the treble.
AlI BABA’S BARBER
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £6.00 / Buy
Written in D minor (using just three chords in the basses), this piece combines the mysterious with catchy, playful, and rhythmic. The introduction combines treble chords with a four-note lead-in bass motif. The treble melody and accenting invokes a pronounced Moorish feel, with accents and phrasing confirming the rhythmic theme. The second treble section is rapid and requires smoothness and dexterity of the performer, with an extended section displaying playfulness between treble and bass rhythms. After returning to the original theme the piece ends with a showy four-note treble glissando.
AN EARLY SUNRISE
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in 4/4 time in the key of C Major, this descriptive piece starts off quietly with a four bar introduction mostly of treble notes. The next eight bars introduce bass chords, but no fundamental bass notes until the end of the section (the sun rising). The third section introduces full basses and chords, while the treble carries on the uncomplicated melody. The ending shows the sun settling down in a happy position, quietly carrying out its business, with a descending treble. Ah!
APPLE CORE
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in C Major in 3/4 (waltz) time, this tuneful little piece spans the first six notes of the major scale, introduces phrasing, tied notes, staccato notes, and, at the end, thirds in the treble. The basses consist of the three major chords of C, F, and G.
ARIA NO. 1
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This composition starts quietly, with a treble motif that is slightly haunting in character. It is written in D minor, but travels through several bass chord changes to end in its relative major key – D major. It encourages a really emotional interpretation, almost with the freedom of rubato. The basses take the performer through a range of both solo notes and chords with bass and counter-bass notes, with a few surprises and a melodic ending that almost fades away. The composition requires good bellows control and fingering, and includes numerous phrasing and articulation guidelines.
ASDFGHJKL
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £5.50 /Buy
Pronounced “Asterfickerjickel” – the keys of the second row of a typewriter/computer keyboard, and written in C Major and Ab minor, is a lighthearted jazzy musette-style piece in 3/4 time.
BAGUETTE
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £5.50 / Buy
This piece was written during the UK beef crisis, and is a jolly, light-hearted piece that looks at both sides of the coin. Written in D minor and D Major, it is best described as a jazzy waltz with a rhythmic lilt, in the style of a slightly syncopated French Musette.
BANANAS FOR TWO (NEW)
Solo / SB / Grade 3 / Price £5.00 / Buy
Written 4/4 time in the key of C Major, this bright duet morphs into G Major in the second section, before returning to C Major. It is straightforward, although Accordion I has the most complicated part because it includes the basses (for instruments without a 7th bass chord, substitute with a major chord). It is ideally suited to Stradella bass instruments.
BELLS AND WHISTLES
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This playful, tuneful little piece in 4/4 time is written in C major throughout. After a simple four-bar introduction the main section is 10 bars long and introduces the player to semi quavers, staccato notes, and phrasing on the treble keyboard. The 10-bar long section is repeated. The final bar ends in a three-note treble chord. The bases consist of major, minor and one 7th chord (or major if the player’s accordion does not have a 7th chord row).
BLOG 27
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in 3/4 (waltz) time in the key of C Major, this piece introduces the player to more dynamics, phrasing, and dotted treble notes, and ends in a three-note chord. The basses use the major chords of C, F, and G, but introduce the use of several counterbass notes (for accordions that have them).
BLUEBERRY ONE (includes BLUEBERRY TWO)
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in 3/4 (waltz) time in the key of C Major, this pleasant little piece starts with a simple four-bar introduction. It then introduces the player to all five treble notes from C-G, and also C, F and G major bass chords for the left hand. Also incorporated are some phrases, dynamics and staccato markings.
BLUEBERRY TWO (includes BLUEBERRY ONE)
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in 3/4 (waltz) time in the key of C Major, this pleasant little piece starts with a single treble pick-up note. The first theme is eight bars long, while a second theme takes the player to the end. Two bass chords are used throughout, until the last two bars, when a third chord is introduced. The piece includes some phrasing, staccato notes, and held-over treble notes.
BOOTSTRAP TANGO
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £6.00 / Buy
Written in D minor in 4/4 time, after an introduction which includes a bar in 6/4 time, the first section proceeds as a normal tango, with a characteristic accompanying bass that sets and keeps its rhythmic flow. The treble is kept busy, with melody notes sustained over canonic harmony phrases underneath. The end of the first section then morphs into a more romantic section, in D Major, with its very hummable theme, and similar rhythmic basses. It then reverts to D minor, but with a different, second singing 16-bar theme before a repeat of the D Major section, and then (almost) the original theme in D minor, plus a little flourish at the end. It is ideally suited to Stradella bass instruments.
BOUTIQUE OVERTURE
Solo / SB / Grade 8 / Price £7.00 / Buy
This serious composition, written in the key of G Major, with an excursion into E minor, is for solo accordion and is both traditional and contemporary in its approach and content. It is enhanced by a rhythmic structure of a contemporary nature that alternates in sections of 4/4 and 6/4. The eight-bar theme (in 4/4) provides its base and recurs throughout the piece, albeit in an altered form. It requires a good command of the instrument, and a feel for rhythmic structures that are out of the ordinary.
BOUTIQUE OVERTURE (ensemble)
Ensemble / Grade 8 / Price £18.00 (score and 2 of each part) / Buy
Boutique Overture is scored for four accordions, and includes some minor differences from the composition for solo accordion. This serious piece, written in the key of G Major, with an excursion into E minor, is for solo accordion and is both traditional and contemporary in its approach and content. It is enhanced by a rhythmic structure of a contemporary nature that alternates in sections of 4/4 and 6/4. The eight-bar theme (in 4/4) provides its base and recurs throughout the piece, albeit in an altered form.
BRIDGE (one of 4 pieces in the MUSICAL ROUTES SUITE)
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price €6.80 (includes the three other pieces)/ Buy
Written in C Major, the right hand (treble) the piece introduces minims and crochets, with some note slurs, staccato, accent points, and dynamic markings, and a lead-in note. The left hand (bass) is comprised of just three major chords, and sustains a ¾ time rhythm. It is, therefore, good for beginners with just basic instruments.
CAMBADACHA
Solo / SB / Grade 7 / Price £6.00 / Buy
Written in G minor, this is a fast paced, high energy piece that requires a good degree of right hand finger dexterity (including staccato chords and single notes), accurate rhythm and good bellows control. It is somewhat of a show piece that is set, unusually, in a minor key, and requires excellent overall instrument control.
CASTLETON REEL
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This piece is written in a lilting Scottish style. Written in 4/4, it consists of a total of nine sections; while most are in the key of A major, there are outbreaks into the keys of C Major, Eb Major, and F Major. It is a cheerful, lighthearted piece that requires good right hand finger dexterity, and a steady rhythmic accompaniment from the basses.
CHANGES
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00 /Buy
This piece was written to emphasize technique, timing accuracy and rhythmic control. It is written in 6/8 time, in A Major. The right hand must maintain accuracy over chords that are used throughout the piece. The melody is somewhat like a military voluntary reminiscent of the form of a post horn gallop, and, strangely, the whole piece is based around the use of just one chord.
CHARLIE’S REVENGE
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £5.00 / Buy
This piece was written when the late Charlie Watkins (well known to accordionists in England as “Mr Amplification”) survived a serious medical problem – a heart attack – and is a tribute to him. It is a lighthearted laugh at life, and is best described as a novelty piece. Written in 4/4 time, in the keys of F Major and Bb Major, it explores numerous left hand chord changes.
CHOCOLATION
Solo / SB / Grade 3 / Price £4.00 / Buy
The name came from an amalgamation of the words “chocolate” and “elation”: chocolation. The aim of this tuneful piece is to encourage the performer use right hand fingering that mixes sustained notes with changes above or below the sustain, to aid dexterity. The left hand is comprised of only three chords – useful for accordionists with limited bass keyboards, but using main and counter-bass rows. The piece contains dotted notes, as well as tied notes, plus staccato and ritardando markings.
CLAIRETTE
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £5.00 / Buy
This composition is written in a Valse Musette style, with both introduction and main theme in A minor, and intermediate sections in D major. Clairette is a type a grape, and the major key sections equal sunshine, with the minor sections interpreted as rain and the uncertainty of grape growth. Several bars contain right-hand triplets used to good effect in a typical musette, and test a player’s fingering and phrasing. The left hand consists of sustained principal notes to provide the rhythmic feel and continuance of the Valtz Musette, with the chord work not overly complicated, although it does necessitate moving the left hand up the keyboard, requiring control.
CLOUDS PASSING
Solo / FB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 (includes Doubly Bubbly) /Buy
This piece, written to be played on either a “converter” or “free-bass” accordion, is written in 3/4 time in C Major and presents an interplay between the treble and bass keyboards. It is meant to introduce the emerging player to major seconds in the treble and double notes in the basses.
COMING HOME
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This composition is a jazzy little waltz that is played more as a “vamp” than as a piece, and presents the possibility of playing “short stretch” four-note treble chords that form part of a tune within a range of about 1 ½ octaves. Written in the key of C Major, with a middle section in Ab Major, it includes some snatches of Art van Damme-style treble effects that instruments other than the accordion would find impossible to imitate.
COUNTRYSIDE MARCH
Solo / SB / Grade 3 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This forthright march is written in F major, in ABA format. It starts with a four-bar introduction, which is followed by a 16-bar section that carries the main theme. The second section (also 16-bars) features short bass solos that interplay with dual notes on the treble, before returning to a repeat of the first section, although this is modified, and introduces thirds in the treble. It is written for Stradella bass instruments. Major chords can be played instead of 7th chords on the bass keyboard.
CRAB CAKES
Solo / SB / Grade 1 /£4.00/ Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is based on three bass chords combined with single notes, while in the treble, the performer is required to play single notes and two-note chords, in waltz time. The treble includes several legato phrases, intertwined with a single note melody, several accents, and a single staccato note. The end requires the performer to play both bass note and chord together. It is written for Stradella bass instruments without a counter bass row for the left hand.
CRACKPOT
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price £4.00/ Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is based on three bass chords as the accompaniment; in the treble, it introduces staccato notes, slurs, crochets and minims, and provides some dynamic variation and accenting for the beginner.
CRACKPOT
Solo / FB / Grade 1 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in C Major, this piece introduces staccato notes, slurs, crochets and minims, and provides some dynamic variation and accenting, while the free bass accompaniment is both melodic and supportive of the treble, and uses both single and dual notes.
CYCOPHANTIC IMPRESSIONS
Solo / FB / Grade 6 / Price: £4.00 / Buy
This short piece was written to be played, on either a “converter” or “free-bass” accordion, and uses the “cycle of fifths” in the upper section of the bass keyboard. While there is no traditional time marking, it should be played in exactly 110 seconds. The piece starts with a bass keyboard bellows shake. There is no traditional key signature, although the piece actually progresses through only the sharp keys. In bar 9, the twin notes and glissando can also be played on the black notes only of a piano accordion. The vibrato in bar 24 may be played either with the right hand or left leg. The piece ends in an accelerando of alternating treble and bass notes, followed by a chord cluster which is subject to reverse dynamic mode, and a sharp pull of the bellows to indicate finality.
DANCE OF THE WIDGETS
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This is a cute elementary piece, written throughout in C Major, teaches the player about staccato treble notes, using the correct fingering. It contains a mix of quavers, crotchets and semiquavers and introduces accents and phrasing, as well as dynamics. The bass chords used are C, G, D and F Major.
DANDY WALTZ
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price £4.00 (includes Early Morning Rising) / Buy
This piece is written in C Major, and is intended to be a starter piece for anyone who wants to start playing the instrument. It is a tuneful little piece, with an easy-to-remember treble melody. The basses use the major chords of C, F, and G.
DESPERADO
Solo / SB / Grade 7 / Price £7.00 / Buy
Written in F minor, this piece is designed to show the dynamic musical and technical ability of the performer. It starts off with a rather slow, somewhat mournful melodic theme in 3/4 time in a minor key. Suddenly, the tempo turns violently fast in 4/4 time. Between intricate chromatic runs, thick jazzy chords, numerous trills and glissandos, a relentless drive and a few surprises along the way, the performer must keep up the pace to the very end, using good fingering and an even touch throughout. The main theme is stated again twice, but in a mix of 6/4 and 4/4 time. There’s a hint of the desperate bullfighter in this one.
DIJON
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price €6.00 / Buy
This is a straightforward light-hearted, but fast-moving piece written in the style of a French musette. It is written in the keys of G Major, Bb Major, and C Major – in three different sections. It also introduces minor chords in the bass. The treble must cope with sequences of thirds throughout the piece, and a good control of fingering.
DOUBLY BUBBLY
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price £4.00 (includes Clouds Passing) / Buy
Written in 3/4 time in the key of C Major, it leads directly to the melody with no introduction. The piece immediately introduces the beginning accordionist to dotted note values and slurs in the treble, as well as a small range of dynamics. The bass chords used are C, F, and G.
EARLY MORNING RISING
Solo / FB / Grade 3 / Price £4.00 (includes Dandy) / Buy
This piece, written to be played on a converter or free-bass accordion, is written in C Major 4/4 time and presents a slightly canonic movement between the treble and bass keyboards. It is meant to introduce the emerging player to thirds in the treble and double notes in the basses. It also requires the accordionist to hold down one treble note while playing others above it. The theme of the piece is in its title – about coming to life after sleeping, and the repetitive patterns associated with daily life.
EMANCIPATION
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This playful piece, written in Eb Major, with an excursion into G Major, is one that should be played in a joyful, light-hearted manner. It embraces a standard 4/4 tempo, and features numerous triplets, and a little syncopation in the treble, with some light-footed chord and bass work to support the syncopated melody. The piece is ideally suited to Stradella bass instruments because of its rhythmic content.
EMERGENCY TANGO
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £6.00 / Buy
The tango starts with a bold four-bar introduction. Written in C minor, the first section has a danceable tango bass accompaniment, while the treble carries the melody, with an abundance of accents, phrasing, and articulation. It then morphs into a C major section, with an uplifting treble melody, and introduces the diminished chord in the basses, in a combination tango and beguine rhythm (hence the “emergency”).
The next section restates the introduction and first section, but with a few twists in the treble, which require more attention (plus more technique, phrasing and punctuation). It ends in a somewhat typical tango style, but with a few twists. The piece is ideally suited to Stradella bass instruments because of its rhythmic content.
ESCAPADE
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This fast-paced “show” piece is written in G minor, with a short middle section in G Major. Its main theme suggests a movie chase scene, and has the hallmarks of a Keystone Cops feature. The first middle section features three- and four-note treble chords that move in line with the bass notes and chord structure. The second middle section retracts into G Major and into a mix of 6/4 and 4/4, before returning to the main theme, in the original key of G minor, in 4/4 chase time, flowing into the final section, which features arpeggios in several forms.
EXAGGERATION WALTZ
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £4.00/ Buy
This cheerful waltz, written for Stradella bass accordion, is based in the key of C major, in an A-B-A form, with the second section in A minor. It requests the performer to be mindful of the phrasing, accenting and articulation in order to achieve a joyful interpretation, as well as the use of triplets in the treble. The basses include the use of counter-bass notes and 7th chords (if available), and is intended to establish the rhythmic flow of the piece.
EXPANSE
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This cheerful waltz is based in the key of C Major, in an A-B-A form, with the second section in A minor. It requests the performer to be mindful of the phrasing, accenting and articulation in order to achieve a joyful interpretation, as well as the use of triplets in the treble. The basses include the use of counter-bass notes and dominant 7th chords (if available), and is intended to establish the rhythmic flow of the piece.
FOREST WALTZ (New: 2018)
Solo / SB / Grade 2/3 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This composition is a standard waltz (3/4 time), with an eight-bar introduction. The piece is written in D major. Its lilting main treble theme is hummable, with phrasing that provides the structure of the dance. The piece later morphs into G major in the second section, before returning to D major. The basses (in single-note chord notation) are kept simple, and intended mainly for rhythm keeping; the most used are D major, G major, and A7th, plus an occasional E minor. The piece helps the performer to read notes above the treble clef, but the treble range of the whole piece is one-and-a-half octaves.
FOUR CANDLES
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £5.00 / Buy
This jolly, and sarcastic little piece is written in the key of C Major. It was written as a short novelty piece that was inspired by the famous British sketch by comedy duo Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker titled “The Hardware Shop”. It has a nifty, easy-to-remember, catchy tune (the three treble notes in Bar 5 are actually the title: “Four Can-dles”…. Or, “Fork Han-dles”….). The second section features some three- and four-finger treble chords, which progress through the “cycle of fifths” in both treble and basses. The third section requires some strong accenting via the bellows (Bars 57/58). Vamp basses are used to good rhythmic effect to make the piece “swing” while the accenting and phrasing in the treble provides its novelty, playful feel.
HOCUS POCUS
Solo / SB / Grade 3 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This piece is written in 4/4 time, in G Major, with a middle section excursion that morphs into C Major. It is a happy little piece, whose central tune is easy to hum and remember. The ending is trickier, with thirds in the treble needing even treatment, and a little technique.
HYMN FOR HER
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This composition, in C Major , written in 4/4 time, is designed strictly for the purpose of featuring individual musical and artistic expression, feeling and interpretation. after a two-bar introduction, the first section features single note basses combined with three- or four-note treble chords, with the upper note carrying the melody. The second section features a single note treble motif with supporting bass notes and chords; the section gathers speed and dynamic intensity and finishes with a glissando into the instant quietness of the main hymnal theme of a repeat of the first section, with some changes for the three bars that constitute the ending, which features a treble trill that fades out at the very end.
HYMN FOR HER TOO
Accordion + trumpet / SB / Grade 4 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Hymn for Her Too is specifically arranged for trumpet and accordion – the trumpet taking the solo voice part and the accordion providing the chords and changes underneath. A soulful (but not mournful) piece, it is intended to be played in an expressive manner, with the two performers working as one. The trumpet player must exercise a trill and glissando at the end, which fades to zero.
INTO THE SPICE MARKET
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £5.00 / Buy
Written in A minor for Stradella bass instruments because of its rhythmic content, the introduction immediately sets the tone of the piece –the thought of entering the busy spice market – followed by the actual entry and the constant flurry of activity. The treble melody continues in Grand Bazaar mode. In the second section, the treble picks up the pace, moving rapidly between stalls in the market, being chased by the stall holders. Then it’s back to the quieter section of the market – and the melody – before heading into a final race around through market stalls to get to the exit before closing time.
JABBERMOUTH
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £4.00 / Buy
The playful piece is set in 4/4, in G Major. After a four-bar introduction, the treble is set in a playful melody that requires triplets, held notes, and staccato notes all within phrasing and accuracy. The accompanying basses consist of major, minor and seventh chords in a standard rhythmic flow. Accents and phrasing require the player to pay attention.
KHALIF OF KOTOR
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This piece has a real Moor-ish feel that exudes the feeling that the chief – the Khalif – is watching and knows all about you. The composition starts in E minor and progresses to G minor before returning to E minor. The treble consists of stabbing four-note chords as well as the mischievous melody. A bass solo appears at the end of the first section (it’s the Khalif’s security man) which announces a new theme before the treble takes over. There’s skullduggery afoot, so watch those triplets and stabbing chords!
LAMENTOSA
Solo / SB / Grade 3 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is a recitative tinged with lament and remorse (hence, lamentosa), but with a slightly more uplifting middle section, although this is written throughout in A minor. It invites individual expression within its rubato markings, and the use of dynamics to create effect and variation.
LAMENTOSA
Solo / FB / Grade 3 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is a recitative tinged with lament and remorse (hence, lamentosa), but with a slightly more uplifting middle section, although this is written unexpectedly in A minor. It invites individual expression within its rubato markings, and the use of dynamics to create effect and variation.
MAGGANAJJER
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £7.00 /Buy
Written in A minor, this is a fast-paced piece that needs a precise, even right-hand touch. After a fast-paced beginning, rapid-fire staccato single notes drive into a hail of thirds, followed by rhythmic down-the-scale couplets. These in turn lead to a second theme that follow the introduction, and consist of arpeggios in A minor and E 7th. The pace continues until a small section of eight bars where the basses take on a melodic encounter with chords stated on the right hand, until the sudden arrival of a treble trill takes the piece back into the frenzied world of Magganajjer until the very end, reached at an accelerated pace until oblivion.
MOONSHADOW
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This beautifully descriptive piece, written in E Major in 4/4 time, provides the accordionist with a chance to express gentility, emotion and rubato-like fluidity. It is fluid in its timing, and has a soulful, moon-gaze feeling that is wrapped up in a simple looking format, and yet it requires fine technical control and coordination for performance due to the inclusion of mordents, fermatas, and dynamic accents. it includes one diminished bass chord, and is thus to Stradella (standard) bass instruments.
MORRIS MINOR
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £5.00 /Buy
This composition is written in the style of a musette, in 3/4 time. It is in three sections, with an introduction of eight bars that includes sustained bass notes with chords. the piece starts in the key of C minor, and transfers into C Major in the second section, which includes several bars of triplet note clusters in the treble. The third section reintroduces the introduction and first section.
MOSAIC WALTZ (NEW : 2018)
Solo / SB /Grade 3 / Price £4.00/ Buy
Written in F major, the piece opens with a march-like eight-bar staccato introduction. The waltz itself is an 8-bars-long hummable, melody-rich tune, with a rhythmic flow that includes legato phrasing together with a number of speed variations to accompany the lilting feeling of the melody. The accompanying bass and chord structure is straightforward and unfussy. The middle section includes a mix of major and minor chords, and, after restating the original theme, the piece finishes quietly with a soft, unexpected major 7th chord.
MUSICAL ROUTES SUITE (an album of 4 pieces)
Solo / SB /Grade 1 / Price £6.00/ Buy
AVENUES
This preparatory piece, of just 20 bars, invites the beginner not only to play notes but also some variations in tempo and dynamic variation.
The use of ritardando (rit.) and a tempo introduce and illustrate musical expression – an important part of making music, from the very beginning. Although it is based on a three-chord bass and five-note treble range, two extra notes (one above, one below) extend the standard C-G treble range slightly without being too challenging, but make it slightly more musical.
BRIDGES
Written in C Major, the right hand (treble) the piece introduces minims and crochets, with some note slurs, staccato, accent points, and dynamic markings, and a lead-in note. The left hand (bass) is comprised of just three major chords, and sustains a ¾ time rhythm. It is, therefore, good for beginners with just basic instruments.
STREETS
Written in C Major, the piece starts in the treble with a lead-in note, then minims and crochets set the tune in the first eight bars. The second eight is a sort of answer, but introduces staccato notes, more phrasing, articulation, and dynamic markings, as well as bass notes and chords together at the climax of the piece. Only three chords are used (C, F, and G Major) in the bass keyboard and these sets the tone and keeps the rhythm going throughout, with no variation in timing.
TUNNELS
This little piece is written in C Major, and in 4/4 time. It includes the bass chords of C, F, and G. In the treble, the notes are within the five-note range from C to G. The piece also introduces staccato notes, in two eight-bar themes, as well as phrasing.
MY FIRST WEEK (an album of 7 pieces)
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price £7.00/ Buy
MONDAY. This little piece uses just the basics. The right hand uses only crochets and (dotted) minims. In the key of C Major and in 3/4 time, this introduces three basic chords for the left hand (C major, F major, G major), and only fundamental bass notes. Only two dynamics are introduced, together with a crescendo, and a pause marking. A two-note finish in the right hand provides a little stretch at the end of the short piece.
TUESDAY. This little piece is in 4/4 time, also in the key of C Major, but using the same chords for the left hand (C major, F major, G major), and only fundamental bass notes. A crescendo and decrescendo are introduced, as are two pause marks, a three-note treble chord at the conclusion of the piece, and a finishing accent.
WEDNESDAY. This little piece, in 4/4 time, is in C Major. It introduces the staccato mark, the ritenuto and a tempo directions, plus a wider range of dynamics. The left hand still concentrates on fundamental basses only, and three chords (C major, F major, G major). An introduction to more precise timing of right hand notes is featured towards the end, when quavers are introduced
THURSDAY. This little piece is in 4/4 time, and in the key of C Major. However, there is a greater use of quavers and more complicated right hand fingering in the tricky middle sequence. The left hand remains simple, with the use of just three chords (C, F, and G Major) and fundamental basses. The last chord (for both hands) needs to be loud, and snappy.
FRIDAY. This little piece is written in 3/4 time, and is written in the key of F Major. The right hand now extends to slightly more than one octave. Naturals are also introduced in the right hand tune. In bars 45 and 46, smooth phrasing is required without disrupting the timing and flow. The left hand introduces 7th chords for the first time. The chords used are F major, Bb major, C major, G7th and C7th.
SATURDAY. This little piece is written in 3/4 time, in the key of F Major. However, it is unusual in that it has a 12-bar theme, with a minor key being interspersed with a major key. It introduces triplets in the treble.
SUNDAY. This little piece is in G Major, and is written in 4/4 time. In the right hand, thirds are featured in the second part of the piece, as well as an unusual ending and rhythmic pattern. The left hand introduces chords that are held over in the middle of the bar (bars 12, 13, 14) to provide a different rhythmic feel, and fundamental and counterbass notes are featured.
MYSTIQUE
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This is a somewhat moody piece best described as a dark, romantic rhapsody (Rhapsody in Black?), with a hint of spice. It is written in G minor, in 4/4 time. After a repeated eight bar theme (using only two chords to support the minor/diminished treble note sequence), a second eight-bar theme is introduced to a simple, constant, throbbing and heavy walking bass/chord structure. Treble and bass parts are then reversed, the treble carrying the heavy chords while the bass takes another form of the dark melody until the second theme is restated. Treble triplets and jazzy stabbed bass chords follow like a startled interlude before the original theme is softly restated. The finale comes a little unexpectedly in the shape of inverted G minor arpeggios.
PRECIPICE
Solo / SB / Grade 9 / Price £8.00 Buy
This composition was conceived as a piece that could be played as a “showpiece” for stage performance as well as for international competitions. It is based around the story of a volcanic eruption and a boy named Qalaalo (pronounced kalarlo, which means ‘near the cliff’ in his language) – a happy-go-lucky young man who is the head of his tribal family in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, living at the base of Mount Tavurvur – an active volcano. The volcano comes to life (Bars 1 and 2). Half asleep, he thinks he’s dreaming (the four notes in the third bar, played at leisure on the bass keyboard and repeated in the treble keyboard). And the story continues….
Written in the keys of G and E Major, with excursions into F# major and B minor, there are varying degrees of complexity within what looks at first to be a simple piece. Unlike much of today’s music, this piece presents the listener with several melodic motifs that can be remembered, and the player with musical and instrumental challenges that require both technical and interpretative skills. Time signatures used include 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/8, 8/4, and 14/8.
RESOLUTION
Solo / SB / Grade 7 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This composition is written throughout in Ab Major, although it actually ends in C Major. It is written in the unusual time signature of 11/8, and requires the accordionist to be able to maintain an accuracy in counting (3+3+3+2) and rhythmic continuity. However, once established, the piece flows freely and so the unusual time signature is not noticed. Indeed, the time signature changes from 11/8, and into 8/8, 7/8, and ends in 7/4. It incorporates some bellows shakes that require the performer to have good control of the instrument. The piece is ideally suited to the piano accordion, due to the layout and fingering of the treble keyboard chords within. A good technical standard is also required.
RHAPSIDIUM FOR A RAINY DAY
Solo / SB / Grade 7 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This classical composition is written in E Major, and has a 12/8 feel to its 4/4 timing. It requires finger dexterity and good control of the instrument in order to perform across its varied rhythmic and dynamic range with precision and expression. The phrasing and note accenting, stabbing four-note staccato treble chords and bolero-like melody are all balanced by some double-note bass work to support the rhythmic flow, together with several changes of coupler (register). Trills and glissandos are included, and, as the indications state, nobile con moto and attacca con subito con fuoco are at its very essence of expression.
SCOTCH GRASS
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £5.50 / Buy
This piece takes a rather light-hearted, playful look at music that is best described as typically Scottish in nature and feel. It has a lilting aspect to its first 16-bar theme that combines the syncopation of a Scottish dance with a rhythmic pulse that drives it along. The second section includes an eight-bar theme with treble note clusters and syncopated rhythm. It is written throughout in the uplifting key of A major.
SERENITY
Solo / SB / Grade 5 / Price £5.50 / Buy
This piece, written in F Major in 3/4 time, is calming in its effect on both performer and listener, although there are occasional bursts of energy. It invites the utmost in feeling and an empathy with the instrument on the part of the performer, who should use the rubato designation to good effect. It includes sustained note clusters in the treble, two-and three-note glissandos, and ends on an F Major 6th.
SEVEN OVER EIGHT
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This fast-moving piece – written entirely in C Major – invites the performer into a time zone which varies between 7/8 and 8/8, tests the performer’s ability to play treble chords cleanly, with a jazzy feel, as well as single note runs – while keeping up the varying time changes to attain a consistently bouncy, jazzy feel. The first section is based on simple three-note chords and various inversions in the key of C Major, plus a couple of eight- and nine-note treble runs, while inviting a degree of dexterity in performing upper mordents in the treble. The second section (which starts with an acciaccatura) provides an eight-bar tune in the treble, together with some right hand runs, together with phrasing and dynamic ranges that will test the performer.
The bass (left hand) section contains chords, single note motifs, and also provides emphasis, punctuation and the rhythm and impetus to sustain the phrasing, drive and consistency required during performance of this jazzy composition, which also teaches the performer to play in an unusual time signature. It is ideally suited to Stradella (standard) bass instruments, although it can also be played on free-bass instruments.
SQUASH
Solo / SB / Grade 1 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This is a simple but cute little piece written in 4/4 time, with two sections, plus a cute introduction of four-bars. It is written in C Major, and has a very hummable and memorable little theme. It also has dynamics and phrasing to accompany its light hearted, rather lilting feel.
SUBTERFUGE
Solo / SB / Grade 7 / Price £7.00 / Buy
Written in E Major, this composition has a Star Wars-like theme that starts with eight quavers to a 4/4 bar time signature that insists the performer develop an even touch. It requires dexterity and accuracy necessary for control of the instrument. Surprise attack chords, short bellows shakes, and an occasional treble keboard glissando are called for, until the final section of four-note treble chords. An even touch is needed to establish the strong, driving basses and counterbasses (no bass chords are used), and the rhythmic content throughout the entire piece to its vigorous conclusion with four-note treble chords. It is intended as a pleasing party piece guaranteed to attract the interest even of those disinterested in the accordion.
SUBTERFUGE TWO
Ensemble / SB / Grade 7 / Price £18.00 (Score and 2 of each part) / Buy
The composition Subterfuge is scored in four parts for accordion orchestra, and is designed to as a short, sharp showpiece, with its Star Wars-like theme.
SUNNY DAYS
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00 / Buy
Written in A Major throughout, this piece is for the performer who wants to play in a jazzy, but controlled style. It is a jazz waltz, but with a 6/8 feel at times, and demands a loose, fluid style of the performer, together with technical playing skills that melds melody, harmony and good fingering ability into one cohesive unit. After a four-bar introduction, the first eight bars of the 16-bar first syncopated section represent a brazen theme which could be an introduction in itself, and is restated twice more during the piece. The main theme, or tune, comes later. Overall, it is a swinging, upbeat composition that will leave the performer, and the listener, wanting more.
TAMPOPO
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This is an emotive piece, written in D Major, with an excursion in F# minor, and has a delicate introduction (the title is taken from the Japanese film of the same name, and is dedicated to the main female character), and this actually sets the tone and rhythmic structure of the first and following sections. The treble notes used in the introduction are also used throughout the first two sections, so it’s rather like a theme with embedded variations, all in a major key. The third section, which accelerates, is in a minor key, which then goes back to the major key. The entire piece, but particularly the introduction, should be played in a loose, languid manor, with lots of personal expression and emotion.
THE HAPPY GNOME
Solo / SB / Grade 3 / Price £4.00 / Buy
This bright, lighthearted piece, written in 4/4 in the keys of G, E, and B Major in an ABA form, incorporates an extensive use of triplets in the right hand, as well as a little syncopation, and three- and four-note treble chords. It requires a steady 4/4 rhythm in the basses, where the 7th chord is used several times, as is note accenting.
THE HAPPY WHISTLER
Solo /SB / Grade 4 / Price £6.00 / Buy
This happy-go-lucky piece will make you want to dance! Written in G major, the introduction is eight bars long. It is quite hummable and memorable. It clips along at a jaunty pace through the first section, which requires some treble fingering dexterity. It changes to C major for the second section before returning to G major.
THE NAUGHTY MONKEY
Solo /SB / Grade 3 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Starting in D minor, this piece is written in A-B-A form. The first section is written in 4/4 time in the key of D minor, while the second section (in more of a cantabile – or “singing” style) transfers into D Major.
THE SWISS EFFICIENCY POLKA
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £5.50 / Buy
This fast-paced polka (it’s almost a two-step) starts in A Major, but has sections also in D Major and E Major, before returning to A major in the final section. It is a brisk, happy piece, which involves the combination of smooth phrasing and staccato, as well as triplets on the treble keyboard, with important accenting throughout. The basses provide rhythmic accompaniment and are thus uncomplicated, although there are many chord changes. It is designed to teach the player about the importance of correct fingering in order to achieve the feeling of flow, rhythm and efficiency.
THREE DOWN UP
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
The introduction of this cute little piece starts with a bass notes and chord sequence, for just two bars before the treble takes over with a playful melody that stays within a five-note treble range. There is much use of phrasing and staccato notes, and dynamics and expression play a large part in the overall feel and rhythmic flow. Just three major chords are used (hence the title). It is written in C Major, in 4/4 time.
THREE DOWN UP
Solo / FB / Grade 2 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in C Major, in 4/4 time, the introduction of this cute little composition starts with an accented bass note sequence, for just two bars before the treble takes over with a playful melody that stays within a five-note treble range. There is much use of phrasing and staccato notes, and dynamics and expression play a large part in the overall feel and rhythmic flow. The ending contains bass notes in thirds and fifths.
TOPAZ
Duet / SB / Grade 3 / Price £5.00 / Buy
Written in C Major in 4/4 time, this is an elementary duet with a pretty melody . It gives the duettists a chance to show off their coordination, particularly with regard to expression, dynamics, phrasing and length of notes. It ends with a trill for accordion one.
TRIBUTARIES
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price £6.00/ Buy
Written in E minor in 4/4 time, the composition starts by commanding attention, and is followed by several rubato bars. This is followed by an eight-bar melody with basses that require left hand dexterity when moving from Em to Eb7. The second section has a fugue-like motif – the first four bars of which have a staccato directive, the second four bars are in a looser semi-legato form; the eight bars are then repeated one octave higher. An eight bar bellows-shake section follows, and this leads into a slightly faster 15-bar section before a recap to the original theme and melody leading to an accelerating finish.
TWO BOOTS
Duet / SB / Grade 4 / Price £4.00 / Buy
Written in 3/ 4 time, in F Major and D minor, this playful duet displays many tied notes and a rhythmic feel that gives the piece light-hearted billing. A mix of staccato notes in the treble and careful phrasing provides a canonic feeling in the minor section. The final few bars require absolute togetherness in order to achieve a sparkling, accented finish
UPSIDE DOWN POLKA
Solo / SB / Grade 4 / Price £5.50 / Buy
This fast-paced, danceable, somewhat jazzy polka is written in 4/4 time in C Major, in which it stays throughout. However, it delivers a rhythmic jolt at the end of every section – most of which are repeated – in the form of a bar in 6/4, together with multiple accents. The accompaniment is a solid bass and chord structure that supports the busy treble keyboard and fingering required of the right hand.