Dating back 2000-3000 B.C., one of the earliest known instruments to use free reed was the Chinese "Sheng". It then reached Europe by 1770, with its free reed type inspiring the same free reed used in accordions today.
Now who invented the accordion? Some say it was an Armenian organ and piano maker named Cyrill Demian, who first patented the accordion back in 1829. His instrument was very different from the current one we know, only having buttons on the left and bellows on the right. Others say that it was in fact Christian Friedrich Buschmann, a German instrument maker, who truly made the modern accordion.
The accordion's popularity continued to spread throughout Europe, with more versions popping up such as the concertina, the bandoneon, and the harmonium. Even Russia caught onto the craze in the 1840's, becoming a widely known manufacturer of squeezeboxes. It was in 1863 that the piano accordion was produced and is probably the most popularly known type of accordion nowadays.
Like the word "amateur" as defined by Austin Kleon— one who pursues their work in the spirit of love, this site is born out of that same enthusiasm for the accordion and is here to extend a helping a hand to anyone who is interested in teaching themselves how to play. I understand it can be difficult wading through the dark for information as I am going through the same thing myself but hopefully Accordion to Theory will guide you the same way others have guided me and countless others, out of love for this amazing instrument.
As I am no expert, if you see anything that needs to be amended or have anything to add, please feel free to contact me here at kimchi@accordiontotheory.com
Another way to support is consider donating via PayPal to help sustain this site but honestly, any support and feedback is appreciated!
I'm Kimchi Lee, a designer, illustrator, best daughter to my mom (hint: she only has one daughter) and of course, an amateur accordionist. Currently working at Burnwater, my free time is spent dabbling in front-end web development, teasing my adorable dogs and playing my accordion.
www.kimchilee.me