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

My love for the accordion started 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 the beautiful, sweet sounds and long after I got married and moved house, I decided to take formal lessons. It wasn’t long before I really began to understand and my repertoire of songs began to accumulate.

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 got an emergency call that your permanent accordionist had to cancel an event that was due to start in a couple of hours and could you replace him?

I willingly said “yes!” I then quickly checked what music I would be playing, grabbed my accordion, and flew down the street. I was thrilled to have the opportunity and it was totally 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 in 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 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 budgets for activities 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 hours of music activity. , so you may not be able to. Just book for the foreseeable future.

Because you can just 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 nursing home/assisted living opportunities, small parties, Christmas and other holiday events where one can play and earn a little extra money while doing something they really love to do: play the accordion!

And, by the way, the pay is not always small. Some pay quite well. While 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 talents, voluntarily or for a fee. It’s also a great way to continue promoting and keeping the art of accordion playing alive! I hope I got your adrenaline pumping. Feel confident and proud that you can play such a unique instrument that almost no one else you know can play!