I have just started playing accordion, a 120 bass piano accordion. I have had some lessons on basic bass button accompaniement, basic right hand chording with some inversions, and basic right hand fingerings. I am in the 2nd Palmer-Hughes book and find the tunes a good challenge but not needing the basic music theory since I play guitar. I have received some instruction on technique but finding my mechanics to be a problem, especially with position of both arms, amount of right hand wrist bend, and correct movement of bellows including where to change direction with measures.

The instructors I have had for a few lessons are tremendous players but tend to ignore the mechanical aspects of playing. Any advice or good instructional videos to buy? I am also interested in any instructional material on more folky styles since most of my learning so far has been on traditional polkas and waltzes. I would like to find some good backing patterns for folky guitar music.

My last question is whether or not there is any effective way to decrease volume while still using reed blocks with more bass. I enjoy playing with friends on guitar but find I am drowning them out even when decreasing force on the bellows. Thanks for any assitance.

Jeff