Mmmm...

Another good 'rule' is not to change bellows direction with any keys held down.

I play and sing at the same time...

Changing bellows direction depends on a lot of things...

If the bellows are leaky (not a lot of resistance when no keys are pressed), you will have to change direction more often - best to get the thing fixed!

If you are playing quietly, you will not need to change direction as often as when playing loudly - it's better to practice quietly, but this can be a problem when you have to play loudly!

The number of keys being pressed (and the number of reeds in use if the instrument has register stops) directly affects the bellows movement.


The easiest way to get the feel of things is to play waltzes - time it thus, just playing the bass (1 = 'fundamental', 2 and 3 are the chord):

>> 1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3 (change)

<< 1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3 (change)

etc.


When you improve, try:

>> 1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3 (change)

<< 1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3   1 - 2 - 3 (change)

etc.


Then try a tune - Amazing Grace, Plaisir d'Amour, Michael Turner's Waltz, and so on, usuing the same rules.

I'm fortunate - my big Swiss Hohner 120 bass Musette is really airtight, and practically plays itself... it's just so flamin' heavy!!