The English concertina is a small, hexagonal-shaped musical instrument that belongs to the family of concertinas. It has a range of about three octaves and is played using both hands, with each hand operating a separate set of buttons.
The English concertina has a bright and clear sound, which makes it a popular choice for traditional British folk music. It is often used to play lively dance tunes such as jigs and reels. Despite its small size, the English concertina is a versatile and expressive instrument that can produce a wide range of sounds and emotions.
English Concertinafor beginners
This course is tailored for novices, it offers step-by-step guidance on mastering concertina basics, including layout, bellows control, fingering, and learning your first tunes!
Prepare for an enriching journey into the world of the English concertina with "English Concertina for Beginners," a comprehensive online course led by renowned musician Rob Harbron, soon to be launched on The Folk Music Academy platform. Tailored specifically for beginners, this course offers a step-by-step approach to mastering the basics of the concertina, guided by Rob's expertise and patient instruction. From understanding the instrument's layout to acquiring essential techniques like bellows control and fingering, beginners will receive a solid foundation to kickstart their musical exploration.
Rob Harbron's extensive experience as both a performer and educator ensures that this course is accessible and engaging for learners at the novice level. Through clear explanations, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive exercises, Rob demystifies the complexities of the English concertina, empowering beginners to progress confidently on their musical journey. Whether you're brand new to the instrument or have just begun your musical endeavors, "English Concertina for Beginners" provides the perfect starting point to develop your skills and build a strong musical foundation.
In addition to practical instruction, this beginner course offers an exciting opportunity to learn your first tunes, including classics like "Hexam Races," "Young Collins," and "Kettle Drum." Join Rob Harbron and fellow beginners on this captivating musical journey, and embark on the path to mastering the English concertina while exploring the rich tapestry of folk music heritage.
This course covers the English system concertina – not the Anglo or Irish system. English system concertinas play the same note on the push and pull of the bellows, and the scale alternates between the left and right hands. The standard English system concertina is the Treble, which has roughly the same range as a violin, and that’s what Rob Harbron uses for this course, although he is primarily known for playing the Tenor Treble, which has a range more similar to the viola.
Englsich Concertina Intermediate /Advanced
Delve further into the world of the English concertina with one of its most distinctive and thoughtful voices. In this intermediate to advanced course, acclaimed musician and educator Rob Harbron shares the techniques and musical insights that have shaped his expressive and characterful style. Drawing on years of experience and a deep affinity with the English folk tradition, Rob explores posture, bellows control, fingering, phrasing, articulation and ornamentation—all aimed at helping you bring more nuance, fluency and expression to your playing.
Across the course, you’ll learn a selection of beautiful tunes drawn from the English folk repertoire, each paired with practical techniques to develop your sound. Rob discusses how and when to use harmony, how to shape rhythmic feel and groove, and how to let the melody really sing. You’ll also gain inspiration for finding your own musical voice—drawing not just from concertina players, but also from across the folk landscape, including fiddle, melodeon and other instruments that have influenced his approach.
Whether you're rooted in melody or already weaving in harmony, this course offers fresh ideas and practical tools to refine your technique and deepen your connection to the music. Rob plays a tenor treble English concertina, though the course is fully accessible on a standard treble as well. If you're still finding your feet with the instrument, we'd recommend beginning with Rob’s introductory course. Otherwise, you're warmly invited to jump in and explore new ways to make the concertina truly your own.
Membership plans & pricing:
Free Trial:
1 preview lesson for each course
1 month:
€40 / month, €40 billed every 1 month
Video lessons full access
3 months:
€30 / month, €90 billed every 3 months
Full access to Video lessons
Full access to Music scores (PDF)
Full access to Exclusive online workshops
6 months:
€25 / month, €150 billed every 6 months
Full access to Video lessons
Full access to Music scores (PDF)
Full access to Exclusive online workshops
12 months:
€20 / month, €240 billed every 12 months
Full access to Video lessons
Full access to Music scores (PDF)
Full access to Exclusive online workshops