The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners Book

Learn Traditional Piano Accordion from Absolute Beginner Level

The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners Book by Karen Tweed and Dave Mallinson is a practical tutor and tune book for adults starting the piano accordion, especially those who do not have regular access to a teacher.

The book combines clear piano accordion tuition with 58 easy traditional tunes, giving beginners a realistic route into pub sessions, country dances, ceilidhs, barn dances and wider traditional music playing.

The book introduces players to traditional English, Irish and folk dance music styles through carefully chosen beginner-friendly tunes.

Written by two highly respected traditional musicians, this book brings together Karen Tweed’s deep piano accordion expertise and Dave Mallinson’s understanding of what beginners and self-taught players really need.

Key Features:

• Designed for Absolute Beginners: A practical introduction to piano accordion playing for new and self-taught players.
• 58 Easy Traditional Tunes Included: Learn well-known tunes used in sessions, ceilidhs, barn dances and country dances.
• Tutor and Tune Book Combined: Covers musical basics, right hand, left hand, basses, chords, rhythm and traditional styles.
• Written by Karen Tweed and Dave Mallinson: Combines expert piano accordion knowledge with beginner-friendly teaching insight.
• Optional Companion CD Available: Audio support helps players hear rhythm, phrasing, timing and tune character.

Why We Recommend This Book

At Squeezebox Marketplace, we recommend The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners Book because it is not just a dry technical tutor. It introduces the instrument through real traditional tunes, giving beginners music they can actually enjoy playing as their confidence grows.

Karen Tweed’s experience as a highly respected piano accordion player and Dave Mallinson’s understanding of self-taught musicians make this a particularly useful book for adult beginners who want clear guidance, steady, realistic progress and a connection to traditional music from the start.

About the Authors

Karen Tweed has played piano accordion since childhood and is widely recognised as one of the most influential piano accordion players in traditional music. Her playing is admired for its musicality, expression and deep understanding of traditional repertoire.

Karen Tweed has performed and taught internationally and is widely respected for her work in traditional and folk music.

Dave Mallinson came to traditional music as an adult and is self-taught, giving him a strong understanding of the challenges faced by beginners and novice players. Together, Karen and Dave offer a balance of expert musicianship and practical beginner-focused guidance.

Who This Book Is For

• Complete beginners starting piano accordion
• Adult learners without regular access to a teacher
• Self-taught players wanting clearer structure
• Accordion players interested in traditional music
• Beginners wanting tunes for sessions, ceilidhs and dances
• Players looking for a tutor book with real musical repertoire

Topics and Tunes Included

Click to view the full contents and tune list

Tuition Topics

Foreword by Sam Pirt
Music Basics for Squeezers
History and Construction
The Piano Accordion
The Treble Keyboard
The Right Hand Keys
The Key of C Major
The Key of G Major
4/4 Time
The Musical Ladder
The Cycle of Fifths
The Left Hand Buttons
Both Hands Together
The Three Chord Trick
Traditional Music
Single Reels and Polkas
The Key of D Major
Minor Chords
3/4 Time
Waltzes and Mazurkas
Seventh Chords
6/8 Time
Single Jigs
Military Two-Steps
Alternating Bass Technique
The Key of E Minor
Slip Jigs and Slides
The Key of A Minor
2/4 Time
American Reels
Irish Polkas
The Key of A Major
Hornpipes and Schottisches
Double Jigs and Irish Music
Rants and Double Reels

Tunes

Jingle Bells
When the Saints
Twinkle Little Star
Baa Baa Black Sheep
South Australia
British Grenadiers
Rattlin’ Bog
Skip to My Lou
Bobby Shaftoe
Winster Processional
Donkey Riding
Shepherds’ Hey
Shave the Donkey
Young Collins
Banbury Bill
The Rose Tree
Winster Gallop
Nelly Bligh
Bonny Breast Knot
Michael Turner’s Waltz
Sweet Jenny Jones
The South Wind
Shoe the Donkey
Sonny’s Mazurka
I Have a Bonnet
Rodney
The Man in the Moon
Cock of the North
Balance the Straw
Constant Billy
MacNamara’s Band
Uncle Bernard’s Polka
The Lass o’ Dallowgill
The Derry Boat
The Bear Dance
The Rigged Ship
Drops of Brandy
Scotland
Scattery Island
O’Keeffe’s Slide
Spancil Hill
Camptown Races
Peat Fire Flame
Ballydesmond Polka
Uncle Reuben
Egan’s Polka
Tralee Gaol
Sweeney’s Polka
Hundred Pipers
The Keel Row
Katie Bairdie
Roxburgh Castle
The Blackthorn Stick
Irish Washerwoman
The Tenpenny Bit
Durham Rangers
Drowsy Maggie

Companion CD Information

Click to view the companion CD details

The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners CD
Product Code: AM102C
Label Number: DMPCD1106
Featured Musician: Karen Tweed

Specifications

• Title: The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners Book
• Authors: Karen Tweed and Dave Mallinson
• SKU: AM102
• Style: Piano accordion tuition and traditional music
• Suitable for: Piano accordion
• Level: Absolute beginner
• Number of Tunes: 58
• Page Count: 32 pages
• Book Content: Piano accordion tuition, music basics, bass technique, traditional styles and easy tunes
• Optional CD Available: The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners CD
• Format Options: Book only, CD only, or book and CD together

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. This book is designed for absolute beginners starting the piano accordion, including adults learning without regular access to a teacher.

Can I teach myself piano accordion with this book?

Yes. The book was specifically designed for adult beginners and self-taught players learning without regular access to a teacher.

Does it teach traditional music?

Yes. The book teaches piano accordion through traditional tunes and styles, including reels, jigs, polkas, waltzes, hornpipes, slides and dance music.

Does the book include bass and left hand work?

Yes. It introduces the left hand buttons, both hands together, chords and alternating bass technique.

Is the companion CD useful?

Yes. The optional CD helps beginners hear how the tunes should sound, making it easier to understand rhythm, phrasing and musical feel.

Is this only for young learners?

No. The book is especially suitable for adult beginners who want a realistic, practical introduction to piano accordion playing.

Compare with Other Traditional Tune Collections

If you are starting from the beginning, The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners Book is a stronger first choice than a standard tune collection because it teaches the instrument as well as the music. Players who already have basic technique may later enjoy Irish session collections such as 101 Easy Irish Session Tunes, 100 Essential Irish Session Tunes or Karen Tweed's Irish Choice.

Explore More

Browse our complete range of accordion and melodeon books and learning resources, together with our selection of accordions and melodeons.

Included

• Book only: Printed piano accordion tutor book with 58 traditional tunes.
• CD only: Companion CD for players who already own the book.
• Book and CD together: Recommended option for beginners wanting both written tuition and audio support.