OK, now that you may have stumbled on this guide and wonder WHY you would want an accordionist, let's start there.

Accordion players are as diverse a group of musicians as piano players or any other musicians. If you want to hear jazz, contemporary, swing, popular, or any other genre of music, the accordion fits right in. Sure it is famous for polkas but it doesn't end there.

For this reason your search for a musician at your next party should include accordionists. The easiest way to find them is, of course, by going online. Just type in "accordionist" in your search engine and you'll get plenty of hits. You'll find accordionists who play in bands of all types, solo players who stroll around at banquets playing requests, accordionists who play MIDI accordions and sound like an entire orchestra all by themselves, etc. You can also call local music stores even if they don't offer accordions for sale. Many store owners know of accordionists or other musicians who know how to locate one for you. Naturally there are always booking agencies for musicians you can try as well. There are many accordion studios who offer lessons. They have teachers and advanced students who would probably play professionally also.

Then you'll want to call them to ask for a sample of their music on a recording if you are not going through an agent. Of course, the best way to decide on whether you would hire them is to go to one of their public functions and audition them "live" so to speak.

So - the next time you think "Musician" - think "Accordionist" and have a great time at your event.