Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Accordion Jason Fawks

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Accordion, Jason Fawks, to share insights into his connection to music and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Jason reflects on discovering the accordion through a unique teaching opportunity and falling in love with its versatility across genres. He emphasizes enjoying the musical journey, synchronizing hands and bellows, and fostering creativity and curiosity in his students. From his eclectic, personal studio to his playful approach to arranging and interpreting songs, Jason highlights patience, exploration, and embracing the fun of music as the keys to long-term growth on the accordion.

What drew you to learning about the accordion?

I have always thought the accordion is a very unique instrument with such versatility in so many genres of music. My first accordion was a two row Hohner Melodeon.  Years ago I was approached by two Amish sisters who had been given a piano accordion by their Dad. They asked me if I could teach them. At first I said no, but then being a multi-instrumentalist and piano being my primary instrument as well as playing the melodeon I thought why not. I told them I would get one and we would learn together. The rest is history. I think the accordion is and will always be a popular instrument because it appeals to so many people from all cultures and styles of music. It truly is a band in a box and has an ability to capture both the vintage vibe as well as appeal to the modern. Plus it helps to be a Weird Al fan as most of my students are. 😄🪗🎶

How would you describe your teaching studio?

I would describe my studio as an extension of me. Music is such a part of my life that I want it to represent that. You will notice right away that the piano is centered along with many of my other instruments. Also you will see Kermit the frog looking on as well as my other puppets, and even a few small rc planes hanging on the wall.  I want people to see that I am a person with many interests and that my studio is a place I feel at home in.  

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about the accordion, what would it be? 

For accordion it would be the synchronization of both the left and right hands with regards controlling the bellows and sound of the notes being played. This is usually the first major hurdle to playing and even people who already play piano or other instruments still often struggle in this area as a beginner. 

What’s one lasting takeaway you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

The lasting takeaway I would like students to remember is that music is a journey much like life is a journey. It is a gift to learn a musical instrument such as the accordion, but should always be enjoyed at the level you are at. So many focus on the destination and ignore the road to get there in their impatience to arrive at a certain level. Being content and enjoying the beauty of the musical journey in the present is key to enjoying music in all forms. 

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

As an online music teacher other than my quality instruments is good internet with a decent device to video conference on. 

What are some gear items that you wish all your students had? 

The gear I wish all my students had would be the same. Quality accordions and quality internet and setup for doing online lessons. None of these has to be super expensive. 

Are there apps / texts / other resources you often recommend?

I often recommend WhatsApp or FaceTime as a backup to Zoom. Also for a free online tuner I love Tuner Lite. 

Anything you'd like to share about yours or your students’ accomplishments from 2025? 

Yes, I am always having new experiences with new students. One of my most interesting new students is one who is wanting to learn the instruments I teach to play in a circus setting. Finding out I juggle was a big excitement to him and I enjoy learning with my students new ideas on how music can be applied to various situations in life.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026? 

I really enjoy modifying songs to a different style than the original. For example taking Jingle Bells and turning it into a minor key. The accordion has a great ability to play music in so many styles and interpretations of music. I plan on exploring this more in 2026. 

For my students I am always wanting to focus on their goals which often means I learn new ideas and concepts too as well as inspiration and exposure to new styles of playing. Teaching music is an adventure and being open to new ideas is key. 

Do you have guidance for goal-setting for accordion students, or generally?

I am not usually a time framed goal oriented teacher as I feel that actually limits creativity and the focus becomes on how fast one can get there instead of enjoying the journey. I feel it is better to identify and work with each student on their goals and let it develop organically according to their ability and passion to learn and play the accordion. 

Sometimes, however, this does involve a time frame. A highlight of my teaching career is one student whose primary purpose to learn accordion was so that he could play it at his wedding within a year of starting. He worked hard, did it, and he later told me afterward that  “Everything went great last night at my debut. The crowd absolutely loved it, and said I killed it! It was the one time of the night everyone was on the dance floor…Everyone was caught up in the moment…One of the greatest days of my life. Thanks for everything. The lessons, the jokes, but most importantly, our friendship. Looking forward to where the future takes us with this wonderful instrument!” 

I have noticed though that my students often progress faster than average and I wonder sometimes if my approach to enjoy the process of learning actually speeds up the process of learning because it frees the student to go at their own pace instead of always trying to keep up with a goal. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential students about the accordion?

Is it true that the accordion is one of the coolest instruments on earth?

Absolutely! There is no need to look that up for confirmation, because it is undeniable! 😄🪗🎶

If you are interested in learning more about Jason or would like to book a lesson with him, please visit his Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!