The Course
The Academy was the first British conservatoire to introduce teaching for the classical accordion. The specialist curriculum complements other courses and includes masterclasses, performance practice, accordion history, repertory, instrument maintenance and art of teaching classes.

The accordion is thoroughly integrated into the life and work of the Academy through a strong and wide-ranging chamber music programme. The response of contemporary composers to the instrument’s emergence is reflected in continuing collaborations with composition students and established composers.

Apart from many concert opportunities within the Academy, accordion students have performed at leading music festivals in the UK and abroad. In 1998 the entire accordion department made its Proms début with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2006, three students and Owen Murray were invited by György Kurtág to perform at his 80th birthday celebration concert in Budapest. Academy accordion students have enjoyed considerable success in major competitions. Distinguished accordionists who have given concerts and masterclasses at the Academy include Inaki Alberdi, Friedrich Lips, Matti Rantanen, Mie Miki, Viascheslav Semionov, Oleg Sharov, Peter Soave and Mika Vayrynen.

'Murray is an inspirational teacher’ The Times, January 2007

The Derek Butler Prize is contested by postgraduate students nominated by each of London’s four conservatoires. Milos Milivojevic won the 2008 final at Wigmore Hall:
‘Milivojevic’s artistry on the humble button accordion took the breath away — indeed, his coruscating transcription of an organ chorale by Mendelssohn made one almost wonder whether we actually need those thundering giants. I’d put money on this brilliant young performer opening a whole range of new musical worlds.’ The Independent, March 2008

2009-2010 Highlights
> Student performances in Prokofiev’s Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution with City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev
> Three Accordion Showcase concerts
> Chamber music performances involving piano, string, guitar, woodwind, brass and percussion students, including world première of Diana Burrell’s ‘Vespers’ World première of ‘Wind Sculpture’ by David Gorton for accordion and trombone
> Masterclass with Friedrich Lips, Visiting Professor
> Masterclass and concert with Claudio Jacomucci
> Current student Rafal Luc: performances for Park Lane Group and YCAT; concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Bristol’s Colston Hall and many venues in the UK and Poland; finalist for YCAT
> Current student Amadej Herzog: several UK performances with cello duo, concerts in Greece and Croatia
> Current student Ksenija Sidorova: Worshipful Company of Musicians Maisie Lewis Award, Prince’s Prize and Silver Medal, Philharmonia Orchestra Martin Musical Scholarship Fund Award, Park Lane Group Young Artists New Year Series 2010; finalist for YCAT