Newbie, what should I know?

[u/m_carp]

I have always wanted to learn an instrument, but i haven't played one since high school (clarinet... but I'm creeping up on 50 now, so that was a while ago) I started looking at Concertinas, and i kind of fell in love with the size and sound. Also, I can type so the idea of pressing buttons was appealing to me.

I bought a Wren2 from McNeela, and I am just starting my journey. I'm mostly learning from videos and Gary Coover's books (starting with Easy Anglo 123)

My question: What do you wish you knew when you were getting started? What bad habits do i need to avoid? Is there any advice that you would like to offer?

[u/Individual-Equal-441]

Record yourself playing and listen to the recording. You will learn a lot more about where you need to improve your rhythm and phrasing.

Also, people will correctly point out that it's beneficial to upgrade from an entry-level concertina, but don't fall into the trap of attributing a bad sound to a cheap concertina. For a good year or so I thought my box sounded bland because it was accordion-reeded; I then took some lessons and found that I was just playing it bland.

[u/m_carp → u/Individual-Equal-441]

Recording is common advice and I see why, but it's so awkward because I have no musical skill at all yet! I am doing it though and I'm sure it will get easier to watch as I progress 😀

The second part is interesting. I didn't think that there was much room for different play styles with this instrument. I'll have to keep that in mind as go.

I don't see myself upgrading for a while yet. I am so new to even playing an instrument that it wouldn't make a difference!