Benny McCarthy - Master Irish Accordion Player
Since beginning his professional career in music Benny has featured on over 30 album releases. He has shared the stage and recorded with many internationally renowned artists over the years including Liam Clancy, Tom Paxton, John Sheahan, Donovan, Donal Lunny, Seán Ó Sé and others. He continues to tour with Irish super group Danú.
Sit back and enjoy Benny’s relaxed teaching style as he takes you right from complete beginner up to a competent playing level.
Benny’s classes are so easy going you’ll hardly know you’re learning, but trust us you will be; from best technique, handy tricks and session tips, all the way to session sets and some of Ireland’s most popular traditional tunes.
About This Accordion Course
Correct Technique from the Start
Throughout this course Benny draws on his vast experience to share his wisdom with you, teaching you everything you need to know, from basic technique and ornamentation, to the very best accordion tunes.
Get Session Ready
You’ll explore getting session ready and what that means, learning to combine the tunes we learn into session sets. This will do wonders for your stamina and really help to bring your playing up to speed in no time at all.
Amazing Bonus Material
We’ve included tonnes of extra bonus material to help you on your way, including recommended listening, an exploration of some of Benny's favourite accordion albums, and we meet many of the greatest accordion players in the Irish music tradition.
"It’s the perfect introduction to the world of Irish button accordion playing." - Paraic McNeela
Your Beginner Irish Button Accordion Lessons
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 1: Introduction to the Irish button accordion & your first scale (19:24)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 2: A beautiful slow air to get you started (20:44)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 3: Your first Irish dance tune (18:13)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 4: Another classic polka - The Kerry Polka (17:09)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 5: Bill Sullivan's Polka (15:56)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 6: Putting together your first session set (15:29)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 7: Learning your first barn dance (20:43)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 8: Time to learn your first jig (14:02)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 9: The Boys of Bluehill plus a handy trick (20:05)
- Beginner Accordion Lesson 10: Your first reel plus a two button roll (18:55)
Explore our Full Range of Traditional Irish Music Courses
Why not sign up to one of our other McNeela Music courses and continue your journey of Irish music learning with the very best teachers of the tradition!
