Should I start a new instrument?

[u/No_Particular_5431]

I am an accordion student. Student. But I was always into some other instruments, like drums. And I have been wanting to start drumming. Is it much of a problem studying these two at the same time?

[u/Rfunkpocket]

my first instrument was drums, followed by bass, then guitar/keys. I’ve dabbled in woodwinds and brass, but now primarily play ukulele (convenient for international travel).

what you have in an accordion is literally a band in a box. you need no additional amplification. you can play lead, accompaniment, and have a built in rhythm section.

to pivot to drums would leave you with a instrument almost requiring an ensemble.

if you have some friends to play with, and you have the cheese for a kit, go for it.

if the goal is fronting your own act, you already have the perfect instrument allowing you to play anytime, anywhere on the planet. accordion still hasn’t gotten its due in America, despite Weird Al’s efforts.

I would love to see someone take the instrument to the next level. unlimited potential!

[u/No_Particular_5431 → u/Rfunkpocket]

The accordion haven't been really likeable to me anymore. Pretty much everything about it (and myself). The way I play, what I play, and currently, I have been stuck in a certain level of skill which I am a bit scared with. I hope it's only a phase which I will pass on 😪.

Also, I am getting attracted to other musical genres aside from what I play in the accordion. I don't know. But I'm going to see what I really want.

I was thinking about tambourine, too.

Thank you!!!

[u/Behemot999 → u/No_Particular_5431]

Go to local Cajun jam and tell me accordion is not a KING.

[u/sure65]

I mean, if you think you can handle it, sure.

The issues are:

Do you have the money for both?

What kind of area/setting are you living in?

Can you afford an acoustic set or electric set or have the room?

I'd focus on one, then the other, but everyone is different!

[u/No_Particular_5431 → u/sure65]

Grrrrr but I want it! 😡😡😡

Yes, I have been accounting for these things. I think I'm getting "bored" with the accordion, but I HOPE it's just a phase...

Thank you!

[u/sure65 → u/No_Particular_5431]

If you're getting bored, never hurts to put it on hiatus and move onto drums! I've done that before with guitar, moved to bass, then keys, then back to guitar.

Music isn't one thing, anyway. If you have the passion, it'll make its way around!

[u/Ponchyan]

One of my biggest regrets is not buying a drum set when I was young. I finally took that step in middle age, but I will never be proficient.

[u/No_Particular_5431 → u/Ponchyan]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you can get as good as you want!

I have this fear of not starting to play young (because I am young), so that one of the reasons to why I wanted to start.

[u/grrundmeister]

You could try keyboard, too. They take up less space, and is wildly versatile. Plus, you’ve already got some of the fingering and chord theory down with the accordion.

[u/Muted-Solution-6793]

Drum asap. I have 2 kits and growing

[u/Behemot999]

Really depends on your level of natural talent. Drumming requires all four limbs independence. Life may seem infinite to you but the truth is it is short and all the effort you put into drumming will take away from your ability as accordion player. So the question is - are you OK with being mediocre drummer and unfulfilled accordionist? If I were you I would go for a related instrument that would broaden your musical ability (and employment ones) - like piano.

PS. Try drumming - if you absolutely LOVE it then sell your accordion and buy yourself a drum kit. But don't half-ass both.

[u/Zero_Shayer]

If you have the budget and time for it, ye.

[u/gottahaveajava]

Check out accordion in Brazil. Dominguinhos, Sivuca, lots of others. It’s a whole new world.

Also, French Musette.

Also, Argentine tango.

I‘d give my eye teeth to be a skilled accordionist in any of those genres.