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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.