Additional Resources for Musicians
BONUS Arrangements
Some of Gary Dahl's fine arrangments are provided below. Try them for a limited time
at no charge!.
| Open PDF |
Impossible Dream, full arrangement FREE! |
| Open PDF |
Al Di La, full arrangement FREE! |
Backing Tracks
Though not everyone agrees with the practice, it's become common to use backing tracks
to augment a live sound. We're not all fortunate enough to have access to percussionists, bass players, or a guitar player.
Even if you do, they may not be available when you need them.
Personally, there's nothing greater to me than playing with a band! A good backing track can be the next best thing.
As a multi-instrumentalist with a primary focus on the accordion, I've found there is a sweet spot
that enhances what is essentially a live performance.
Depending upon the song, I'll typically add an acoustic or electric guitar, one or two layered string
sections, and up to three brass sections, along with drums and bass. A "Full" arrangement will be layered in a way that you can just play
the melody over the top. For a lighter option, I provide a track that is only drums, bass and piano. Use whichever
suits your preference!
Note that slow practice provides the best learning. Once you are comfortable with the practice speed track, move on to
the performance speed tracks.
As you start a track, note there is a short percussion count-in as your "drummer" establishes the start of the
song — just as he or she would do in a live setting.
| Charade |
| Open PDF |
Charade lead sheet FREE! |
| Download |
MP3 backing track: full instruments at performance speed (95 bpm) FREE! |
| Download |
MP3 backing track: drums, bass, piano only at performance speed (95 bpm) FREE! |
| Download |
MP3 backing track: full instruments at practice speed (50 bpm) FREE! |
| Download |
MP3 backing track: drums, bass, piano only at practice speed (50 bpm) FREE! |
Services
The following are provided in lesson or class format. If you are interested, or would like more information,
contact
tris.gour@AccordionMusicAndLessons.com.
Piano for the Accordion Player
With these lessons, I'll share with you the techniques required to obtain a consistent articulation (e.g.
staccato and legato) and controlled playing style on the piano.
We'll also transition your left hand from buttons to keys.
Digital keyboard, Workstation and MIDI Sound
These lessons will provide you with tools to become a better player, performer, and arranger. We'll examine how to play
the multitude of synthetically voiced parts such as bass lines, chords, and even melodies that are common in
jazz and popular music. Developing your keyboard playing skills will also strengthen your knowledge of
theory and enable you to more efficiently create great sounding productions, performances, or
even film scores.
Music Theory for the Accordion Player
Many of the accordion players I've met have a strong desire to learn and understand the accordion.
In this "Student Specific" class, you'll learn about key signatures, time signatures, note durations,
and how chords are made, inverted and arpeggiated. This is a regular part of our MP3 Accordion Lesson
Program, but is provided as a separate class for those interested in this specific topic.
One of the most important lessons is that students need to learn from music that was written
specifically for the accordion. Trying to jump right into playing rock songs or anything not meant for
accordion without understanding the instrument is normally just going to drive you nuts! The accordion
lives and dies with bellow work and articulation. If you'd like to understand more about the accordion,
then this offering is for you.
Creating Professional-Grade Backing Tracks
Having played with many bands over the years, I've spent an immense amount of time learning the ins and outs of
creating professional backing tracks. Almost all of the bands and musicians you look up to play along with backing
tracks. I've witnessed firsthand, how important they can be to crafting a great live show. If you're ready to
take your music to the next level, this is the course for you. In this course you learn, step by step,
how to operate the program that will run your tracks, set up your backing tracks system on stage or just for your own
enjoyment. As a performing musician, I realize that some of your primary needs can be met with great sounding backing
tracks and even jam tracks for practice. Depending upon your creative goals, we can create one or more
professionally produced and recorded high-quality backing tracks that just sound great.
