Like the list of teachers, this list of camps and workshops that are overtly concertina- and accordion-friendly isn’t complete. We’ll update it periodically, but try doing your own research, too–you might be surprised at what you find in your own back yard.
So far as we know, this introductory concertina workshop on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at the School of Musical Traditions, in Rockville, Maryland, is a one-off, but if it proves popular, who knows what might ensue? Suitable for both Anglo and English concertinas. In the DC area? Check it out
Concertinas and accordions are the raison d’être of the Northeast Squeeze-In, a weekend event in the Berkshires featuring workshops, sessions, and lots of friendly free-reed enthusiasts. Other instruments are welcome, so it’s safe to bring friends and family who play strings, winds, and so forth. It’s held in late September, generally a beautiful time of year in New England. Even non-musical companions will enjoy tagging along.
Maine Fiddle Camp has button and/or piano accordion teachers on staff most sessions and often concertina for at least one of their weeks or weekends.
Northeast Heritage Music Camp, in Vermont, is typically in June. In 2018, they have two excellent piano accordion players on staff.
The Catskills Irish Arts Week in East Durham, New York is a comprehensive Irish festival with music everywhere in town and free-reed classes in Anglo concertina, Irish button accordion, and piano accordion.
Irish concertina master Noel Hill will teach three workshops in the US in 2018–one in the East, one in the Midwest, and one in the West.
Gypsy jazz enthusiasts, check out Django in June, in Northampton, MA, with world-class performers and instructors on piano and chromatic button accordion.
Ashokan, in New York State, has several week-long camps in the summer. In 2018, Northern Week includes multiple staff members teaching piano accordion, while the staff at Southern Week includes two Cajun accordion players.
Leapfrogging to the other side of the country, Cascadia Irish Music Week, in Olympia, Washington, has instructors in Irish concertina and button accordion and includes classes for beginners on those instruments. Some loaner instruments are available.
In Québéc, Camp de Souches à oreilles offers instruction on many instruments, button accordion among them. You can also learn step-dancing, dance, swim, attend evening concerts, enjoy the stars, and more.
Lakefield, Ontario, is home to Leahy Music Camp, a family-run camp with special guests and instructors on many instruments, including diatonic accordion.
If you happen to be in the United Kingdom at the right time, check out Witney Supersqueeze, formerly Concertinas at Witney, with instructors on Anglo, English, and duet concertinas.
Piano accordions rule in the dining room at the 2008 Northeast Squeeze-In.
Introduction to Concertinas and Accordions 