Can I earn money playing the accordion?

Absolutely! Because the accordion and/or keyboard are so versatile and mobile, they make it the perfect instrument for on-the-go performances/recitals.

My love for the accordion began when I was a little girl watching my mother play: in the kitchen, in the bedroom, and anywhere else she felt like wandering!

I came to love beautiful and sweet sounds and long after I got married and moved house, I decided to take formal lessons. It didn’t take long before I really started to catch on and my repertoire of songs started to build up.

One day, just for fun, I left my name and phone number at a local nursing home saying I’d be willing to play for the residents, should they ever need entertainment. About a year later, I received an emergency call saying that their permanent accordionist had to cancel an event that was due to start in a couple of hours and could you fill in for him?

I gladly said “yes!” Then I quickly checked what music I would play, grabbed my accordion and flew down the street. I was delighted to have the opportunity and it was completely voluntary on my part. I did not expect to be paid, nor did we discuss payment.

I arrived at the nursing home where they were hosting an outdoor event. I played for an hour. Everyone started clapping to the music, others got up and danced. It felt good to see everyone enjoying themselves. At the end of the program, the activities director came up to me and handed me $40 cash. I told her that I didn’t expect compensation, that I was just a beginner, but she insisted.

Thus began my side job of playing music for people who were in lockdown, as well as for other small events. He had a full-time job, but could handle small jobs on the side. I also did volunteer work, especially during the Christmas holidays.

I learned that all of these places have activity budgets and are more than willing to pay for their services. Of course, they also gladly accept volunteers.

You may want to keep in mind that there are many other musicians who also frequent nursing homes and assisted living facilities, so sometimes you may need to book in advance, as some venues have regular music activity hours. , so you may not be able to just reserve for the foreseeable future.

Because you can simply grab your accordion and go, and because you don’t need any other accompaniment, it’s the perfect concert instrument. I learned that there are many opportunities for nursing homes/assisted living, small parties, Christmas and other holiday events where you can play and earn a little extra money while doing something you really love to do: play the accordion!

And by the way, the pay isn’t always low. Some pay quite well. Although your goal should be to play your best, you don’t have to be ultra-perfect. Most of these types of events are low-key and very informal.

Hopefully my experience will inspire some of you “closet accordionists” to come out and share your talent, voluntarily or for a fee. It’s also a great way to continue promoting and keeping the art of accordion playing alive! Hope I got your adrenaline pumping. Feel confident and proud to be able to play an instrument so unique that hardly anyone else you know can play it!