The accordion family tree has roots that reach back hundreds of years. This fascinating history can be traced to an ancient Chinese instrument known as a Sheng or Cheng. Played during the era of Confucius, from about 551 BC to 479 BC, this musical instrument is believed to be the first one to have used a free vibrating reed principal. This sound production provided by this principal is still the foundation of many of today's modern accordions.

More recently, a Viennese instrument maker by the name of Cyrillus Damian was credited with creating the first "true" accordion in 1829. Mr. Damian is believed by many historians to have held the first patent on the instrument, and he received royal patronage for his invention. Other reports suggest that the first true accordion was presented by Christian Friedrich Buschmann in 1822. Buschmann put expanding bellows onto a small portable keyboard, and placed a vibrating reed within the instrument. This new musical invention was called a "hand-aeoline", and Buschmann toured in 1828 to raise public interest in the instrument.

While the accordion's inventor may be up for debate, no one can argue the instrument's popularity. Several varieties of free-vibrating reed instruments were developed in the following years, some of which are still considerably known and appreciated today. Of course, as popularity grew, more people wanted to play the accordion, and the demand for accordion manuals began to rise. Certain historical resources suggest that the first accordion textbook featured original music and arrangements of familiar pieces. This book was written by Adolf Reisner and published in Paris in 1832. Since then, countless manuals, songbooks and textbooks have been written and distributed.

From 1830 onwards, the development of the accordion continued at a rapidly accelerating pace. Several varieties of instrument were further developed such as the bandoneon, a chromatic model and even the harmonica, all of which still exist today. Perhaps one of the interesting developments from this period was the introduction of the Schrammel, a complicated instrument that made its debut onstage with a Viennese quartet comprised of a bass guitar and two violins. The Schrammel became popular at Viennese gatherings and can still be heard today.

The first piano accordion was introduced to the public in 1863. Many performers regarded it as a means of liberating themselves from the confines of their massive, immobile walls of pipes. Pietro Diero, a musician of the time, brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States, and would gain the title of "the Father of American accordion playing".

In the early part of the twentieth century, enterprising individuals began opening accordion manufacturing companies. These manufacturers made further enhancements to meet the needs and demands of professional accordion players. From these changes grew the modern size and shape of the accordion that we know today.

The accordion remains an international phenomenon, even hundreds of years since its ancestors were first introduced. There are some accordion manufacturers in the United States, but far more can be found in Europe. Russia, France, Germany and Italy are all important players in manufacturing and exporting modern accordions.

As you listen to traditional musical pieces from all around the world, you will often hear the distinctive notes of the accordion. It is an instrument that boasts a rich history and lasting universal appeal.