The Irish Concertina Book

Learn Irish-Style Anglo Concertina Playing

The Irish Concertina Book by Mick Bramich is one of the most respected tutors for learning Irish-style Anglo concertina. Built around a systematic and practical teaching method, this book helps players develop an efficient approach to the Anglo concertina while exploring traditional Irish repertoire and musical phrasing.

Many players discover that the Anglo concertina is less intuitive than it first appears. Rather than relying on guesswork, Mick Bramich presents a structured progression through keys, scales, bellows control and tune styles that gradually builds fluency and confidence.

Although rooted in Irish traditional music, the playing system taught here can be applied more widely and is especially effective for exploiting the unique push-pull character and phrasing of the Anglo concertina.

Systematic Anglo Concertina Tuition

This tutor takes players through keys in a carefully planned order of difficulty, helping learners develop technique naturally rather than becoming trapped in awkward fingering habits.

The book covers scales, modulation, bellows control, ornamentation and melodic phrasing while constantly reinforcing learning through real traditional tunes.

Traditional Irish Repertoire and Session Tunes

The repertoire includes reels, jigs, hornpipes, marches, slow airs and traditional melodies commonly associated with Irish sessions and traditional music playing.

Many tunes include chords, helping players better understand accompaniment, harmony and rhythmic structure alongside melody playing.

Written by Mick Bramich

Mick Bramich has long-standing connections with traditional music dating back to the folk revival of the 1960s. Known to many through the folk club scene as both a singer and guitarist, he later became deeply involved with the Anglo concertina and developed his own distinctive Irish-style approach independently.

This tutor combines Mick Bramich’s practical teaching experience with a deep appreciation of traditional music and the Anglo concertina itself.

Structured Learning for Anglo Concertina Players

The book progressively introduces:

• The Anglo concertina layout and systems
• Choosing the right instrument
• The keys of G, D, A minor, E minor, D minor, F major, B minor, A major and G minor
• Scales and modulation
• Bellows control and air management
• Decoration of melodic lines
• Slow air playing
• Chord patterns and accompaniment ideas
• Rudiments of music
• Irish traditional tune structures and phrasing

Ideal for Self-Taught Players

This book is especially useful for players learning independently at home. The explanations are practical and grounded in real playing experience, making the material approachable without oversimplifying the instrument.

It suits complete beginners, improving players and musicians wanting to develop a stronger Irish-style approach to Anglo concertina playing.

Key Features

• Respected Irish-style Anglo concertina tutor
• Written by Mick Bramich
• Systematic step-by-step teaching approach
• 56 traditional tunes included
• Reels, jigs, hornpipes, slow airs and marches
• Many tunes include chords
• Includes illustrations, diagrams and photographs
• Rudiments of music and chord charts included
• Bibliography, discography and supplier information
• Optional companion CD available

Specifications

• Title: The Irish Concertina Book
• Author: Mick Bramich
• ISBN: 9781899512256
• Product Code: AT102
• Format: Book / CD / Book & CD options available
• Page Count: 76 pages

Contents

Included Tune List

At Squeezebox Marketplace

At Squeezebox Marketplace we carefully select traditional music tutors and tune books that genuinely help players progress. Mick Bramich’s Irish Concertina Book remains one of the most respected Anglo concertina tutors for players wanting a deeper understanding of Irish-style traditional playing.

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