Accordion | John Vidrine & Luke Huval | Beginning | Period 2 | Week 1 (July 7-12, 2024)
John Vidrine and Luke Huval will co-teach this beginning accordion class, alternating days. Class will utilize the Cajun accordion in the key of “C”. Classic Cajun two-steps and waltzes will be taught with a follow-the-leader imitation method. Students will also learn how the accordion functions, keyboard drills to increase finger and hand memory, and some techniques to enhance instrument playability. Open to all musician levels this class is recommended for players who are new to the accordion and are looking to get a basic understanding of the instrument and Cajun music.
About the Instructors
John has remained deeply immersed in the Culture and Music he was born into in around Mamou Louisiana. John has taught Cajun music on accordion at the Augusta Heritage program for several years, as well as performed with his wife Jane and son Jo, on the Augusta stages. John started learning to play music as a youngster watching and listening to old timers who played at the venues and porches of his hometown and in later years performing those tunes with friends and the family band across the US and in Europe by invitation. The key to playing this music is to be able to hear the melody line and feel the meter intensely. Being able to sing the lyrics or dance to the tune helps tremendously.
Luke has been immersed in the world of Cajun music and culture for as long as he can remember. Between his parents Terry and Annette, and their love and passion for every facet of Cajun culture, it was hard not to get hooked in one way or another. Luke started learning to sing and play guitar from a young age, and soon after began playing music with other young talents Zach Fuselier and Cameron Dupuy. Nowadays you can find him playing Cajun and country fiddle with a number of groups, and playing accordion with his own group, the Luke Huval Band.