My wife just acquired two Yorkshire terriers and they are absolutely mad for the accordion. At first I thought their yelping meant they didn't like it but now I realize they will race from anywhere to get near it. I was playing outdoors and they were on the leash and they just dragged my wife to me. Interesting as she is not a total fan of ITM. My daughter plays the fiddle but the dogs seem ready to take it or leave it. They just want the box.
All jokes apart, I've encountered a lots of accordion fan dogs... seems they are very sensitive to reeds, harmonika doing the same thing. Pink Floyd, in the Pompei movie, play a blues with Roger Water's afgan greyhound "singing" along. I've also had a catr who used to rush towards me whenever I'd open the box's case, and lie down in the case, looking at me with loving eyes... well, at least there was one living beign who seemed tol ike my playing at the time....
Cats, hmph. Don't kid yourself, they are strictly looking out for Number One, as usual. They just can't understand why we clutter up such perfect cat beds with our instruments.
I heard of a banjo-loving cat, but my experience was different. While visiting a friend, at some point I noticed that his cat would briskly leave the room as soon as I picked up my banjo. None of the other many instruments around had this effect - in fact, he seemed to like the flute and piano.
Another friend tells me nothing clears the bed of cats like a kazoo.
Just a note: the dogs aren't angry or defensive. They are very noisy at the beginning of a practising session and then they settle down and snuggle around my feet until I finish. They tend to hang around my wife normally and only choose my feet when they are under an active accordion.
My dog will howl (softly, with her inside voice, seriously) along with my accordion playing (and the only other thing she even barks at is the mail man). My sister has one of those Chinese gourd flutes with the drones; the dog loves it... This is the first time that I've heard of this in other peoples pets. Has anyone tried bagpipes?That's some major reeds...
Maybe the sessioners should collaborate and publish a paper or something.
I had the mixed fortune, as a young teenager, of being sent to piano lessons with a piano accordion teacher. (Being a feisty woman, it was not long before she had me press-ganged into learning the PA, her first love). In addition to her young daughter, her elderly father and the stacks of accordions occupying every corner and alcove, she shared her house with 13 dogs. Ten of these were chihuahuas, plus two collies (Perry and Katie) and a stocky, short-legged mongrel (Tubby - Perhaps the result of a union between a collie and a chihuahua - I never had the guts to ask). Needless to say, the house had a distinct odour - of dog mingled with the musty tang of stale bellows - and no doubt the lingering hum of the occasional 'accident'.
So I now have imprinted upon my psyche an indelible association between dogs and accordions. Of course, these dogs lived alongside accordions by circumstance, not by choice. But it begs the question: Is there some deeper inherent connection between accordions/accordionists and canines?
fauxcelt said: "One of our local musicians used to have a cat who loved the sound of a tin whistle."
My cat does. I first noticed she would appear on my lap whenever I played the whistle. For years I have used it whenever I want to get her into the house - rarely do I have to play all the way through one tune before she has popped up over the garage roofs and out of the bushes. She quite likes the flute, but it's the tin whistle she finds irresistible.
Two terriers seem largely to ignore music, but we recently took in a retired greyhound who seems to go for the sound of a cello (recorded, in that case, I should say).
hmmm...i've two hounds...one has no regard for the accordion (smart dog) the other is quite interested. I always figured since he's a little guy and oft times sits in my lap, he might think the box was usurping his rightful spot. But maybe he is enjoying the infernal thing! Fiddles they care not about and regard the bow with a watchful eye as sometimes it might give them a tap when they are up to no good .
My dogs ignore everything. One of my cats tries to kill the tin whistle
while I'm playing it; the other one likes to jump into my open fiddle case
and scratch up the lining - I only let it happen once.
Another time - 25 years ago - I was rehearsing some clarinet music
with an accompanist and her cat peed into my open clarinet case. My
A clarinet was still inside and it smelled of cat until I could afford
to replace it 3 years later. It even gets into grenadilla wood.
Had a dog for a wee while that hated the pipes. Would run into the next room and bark its head off when I started them up. I am sure the neighbors already hated me for playing the pipes and also for the fact that the dog barked every time it heard people in the stairwell or thudding around in the flat upstairs. To deal with the barking at the pipes problem, I threw pieces of roast beef at the dog whilst I played, luring him closer to the pipes. When he was practically underneath the drones and being quiet, I gave him huge hunks of roast beef, still playing (obviously just playing random top hand notes, as I had to throw roast beef with the other hand). He learned to appreciate the pipes after that. Who wouldn't if you associated them with roast beef.
Right now my dog, Red, is my most important audience. He loves my whistles. He wags his tail every time I pick one up to play. I am new at this but his unconditional appreciation is just wonderful. He also sings as I play almost as if he is trying to match pitches. ( maybe he's telling me I'm not in tune) I'm not sure if he is "session ready" yet . I bet he would really like the accordion.
I used to back a fiddle player who also played in a symphony. She found that sight singing through her violin parts with do, re, mi, etc., helped her commit them to memory. One time I heard her parrot screech out the first few measures of a Tchaikowsky violin part using those same syllables.
I have a West Higland Terrier who joins in every time I play the box. Her favourite tune, strangely enough is, Howling Banshee. I have recorded a duet man and dog as my ring tone. Can't confuse my phone with anyone else.
Somebody I played with for a while in Portugal had a dog that growled every time he heard any variety of pipes, even on recordings, when blended in with other instruments. Such a discerning ear. The Portuguese podengo is a highly intelligent breed.
I have two westies, one of which heaves a long sigh when I practice the box and goes to sleep on my feet. They seem to leave the room when I practice the fiddle, though. Can't say I blame them.
Snakefingers, I have heard of people "parroting" a song or a part but that parrot screeching out the Tschaikovsky violin part sounds like the most genuine example of "parroting" I have ever heard of.
We have two dogs (a male Golden Retriever and a female German Shepherd) who don't seem to like music at all.
Herself's St, Bernard loves to lay in front of me when I practice the box. And when he is truly motivated, he actually walks over and eats his dinner (I practice in the family room where his food is located). He does not like the whistle though.
It has become a ritual. Dog has great taste in instruments!
My little maltese likes the accordion, and unlike her predecessors,who were bigger dogs, enjoys the whistle (probably because it is a soprano, like her, imagine a cross between a tin whistle and a wolf, and you will picture what she sounds like when she tips her head back and howls). But recently, for the first time since we have had her, I pulled out my cornet because I was going to play something in church, and she freaked out, barked continuously until I stopped!
Every dog I've had seems to love the flute and whistle. As soon as I start playing they come in the room and stay there throughout, making no sound and not interfering in any way.
With regard to bagpipes - my dog nearly had a nervous breakdown on seeing a pipe band marching, she seemed to regard it as some sort of monster, rather than a collection of musicians!
I've a Brittany Spaniel who would come to my feet and howl along to the box - he didn't like pipes though. I also had (also no more) a malamute who did like pipes. His howl was always in tune
I have and English setter who likes to sings with my accordion. Before I saw this post, I couldn't tell if she liked it or hated it... She seems to like E minor tunes, Morning Dew being one of her favorites. The funny thing is, when I get softer, so does she. When I get louder, she turns up the volume, too. When I stop playing, she does a few more bars and finishes it off...
accordions and dogs
accordions and dogs
My wife just acquired two Yorkshire terriers and they are absolutely mad for the accordion. At first I thought their yelping meant they didn't like it but now I realize they will race from anywhere to get near it. I was playing outdoors and they were on the leash and they just dragged my wife to me. Interesting as she is not a total fan of ITM. My daughter plays the fiddle but the dogs seem ready to take it or leave it. They just want the box.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by nfldbox
Re: accordions and dogs
With all that squeaking, they probably think there are puppies trapped in there, and they are trying to rescue them.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by John Galt
Re: accordions and dogs
Those would be some weird-sounding puppies! Maybe they think the accordion is attacking you and they want to fight it.
Maybe the box IS attacking you?
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by Martin_BC
Re: accordions and dogs
All jokes apart, I've encountered a lots of accordion fan dogs... seems they are very sensitive to reeds, harmonika doing the same thing. Pink Floyd, in the Pompei movie, play a blues with Roger Water's afgan greyhound "singing" along. I've also had a catr who used to rush towards me whenever I'd open the box's case, and lie down in the case, looking at me with loving eyes... well, at least there was one living beign who seemed tol ike my playing at the time....
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by Nikita Pfister
Re: accordions and dogs
Darn , no way to correct the posts...
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by Nikita Pfister
Re: accordions and dogs
Cats, hmph. Don't kid yourself, they are strictly looking out for Number One, as usual. They just can't understand why we clutter up such perfect cat beds with our instruments.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by John Galt
Re: accordions and dogs
I heard of a banjo-loving cat, but my experience was different. While visiting a friend, at some point I noticed that his cat would briskly leave the room as soon as I picked up my banjo. None of the other many instruments around had this effect - in fact, he seemed to like the flute and piano.
Another friend tells me nothing clears the bed of cats like a kazoo.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by will morgan
Re: accordions and dogs
Just a note: the dogs aren't angry or defensive. They are very noisy at the beginning of a practising session and then they settle down and snuggle around my feet until I finish. They tend to hang around my wife normally and only choose my feet when they are under an active accordion.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by nfldbox
Re: accordions and dogs
One of our local musicians used to have a cat who loved the sound of a tin whistle.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by fauxcelt
Re: accordions and dogs
Cat leaves room when banjo is being played... does it know what the banjo head skin is???
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by macbox
Re: accordions and dogs
Of course, Dog's ears are superior...
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by fedorastain
Re: accordions and dogs
My dog will howl (softly, with her inside voice, seriously) along with my accordion playing (and the only other thing she even barks at is the mail man). My sister has one of those Chinese gourd flutes with the drones; the dog loves it... This is the first time that I've heard of this in other peoples pets. Has anyone tried bagpipes?That's some major reeds...
Maybe the sessioners should collaborate and publish a paper or something.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by scordion
Re: accordions and dogs
I had the mixed fortune, as a young teenager, of being sent to piano lessons with a piano accordion teacher. (Being a feisty woman, it was not long before she had me press-ganged into learning the PA, her first love). In addition to her young daughter, her elderly father and the stacks of accordions occupying every corner and alcove, she shared her house with 13 dogs. Ten of these were chihuahuas, plus two collies (Perry and Katie) and a stocky, short-legged mongrel (Tubby - Perhaps the result of a union between a collie and a chihuahua - I never had the guts to ask). Needless to say, the house had a distinct odour - of dog mingled with the musty tang of stale bellows - and no doubt the lingering hum of the occasional 'accident'.
So I now have imprinted upon my psyche an indelible association between dogs and accordions. Of course, these dogs lived alongside accordions by circumstance, not by choice. But it begs the question: Is there some deeper inherent connection between accordions/accordionists and canines?
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: accordions and dogs
Macbox: I considered that, but my banjo has a plastic head.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by will morgan
Re: accordions and dogs
fauxcelt said: "One of our local musicians used to have a cat who loved the sound of a tin whistle."
My cat does. I first noticed she would appear on my lap whenever I played the whistle. For years I have used it whenever I want to get her into the house - rarely do I have to play all the way through one tune before she has popped up over the garage roofs and out of the bushes. She quite likes the flute, but it's the tin whistle she finds irresistible.
Two terriers seem largely to ignore music, but we recently took in a retired greyhound who seems to go for the sound of a cello (recorded, in that case, I should say).
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by Alex Wilding
Re: accordions and dogs
hmmm...i've two hounds...one has no regard for the accordion (smart dog) the other is quite interested. I always figured since he's a little guy and oft times sits in my lap, he might think the box was usurping his rightful spot. But maybe he is enjoying the infernal thing! Fiddles they care not about and regard the bow with a watchful eye as sometimes it might give them a tap when they are up to no good
.
# Posted on September 7th 2009 by bikejen
Re: accordions and dogs
My dogs ignore everything. One of my cats tries to kill the tin whistle
while I'm playing it; the other one likes to jump into my open fiddle case
and scratch up the lining - I only let it happen once.
Another time - 25 years ago - I was rehearsing some clarinet music
with an accompanist and her cat peed into my open clarinet case. My
A clarinet was still inside and it smelled of cat until I could afford
to replace it 3 years later. It even gets into grenadilla wood.
# Posted on September 8th 2009 by Hup
Re: accordions and dogs
Had a dog for a wee while that hated the pipes. Would run into the next room and bark its head off when I started them up. I am sure the neighbors already hated me for playing the pipes and also for the fact that the dog barked every time it heard people in the stairwell or thudding around in the flat upstairs. To deal with the barking at the pipes problem, I threw pieces of roast beef at the dog whilst I played, luring him closer to the pipes. When he was practically underneath the drones and being quiet, I gave him huge hunks of roast beef, still playing (obviously just playing random top hand notes, as I had to throw roast beef with the other hand). He learned to appreciate the pipes after that. Who wouldn't if you associated them with roast beef.
# Posted on September 8th 2009 by DrSilverSpear
Re: accordions and dogs
Right now my dog, Red, is my most important audience. He loves my whistles. He wags his tail every time I pick one up to play. I am new at this but his unconditional appreciation is just wonderful. He also sings as I play almost as if he is trying to match pitches. ( maybe he's telling me I'm not in tune) I'm not sure if he is "session ready" yet
. I bet he would really like the accordion.
# Posted on September 8th 2009 by janmarie
Re: accordions and dogs
I used to back a fiddle player who also played in a symphony. She found that sight singing through her violin parts with do, re, mi, etc., helped her commit them to memory. One time I heard her parrot screech out the first few measures of a Tchaikowsky violin part using those same syllables.
# Posted on September 8th 2009 by Snakefingers
Re: accordions and dogs
I have a West Higland Terrier who joins in every time I play the box. Her favourite tune, strangely enough is, Howling Banshee. I have recorded a duet man and dog as my ring tone. Can't confuse my phone with anyone else.
# Posted on September 8th 2009 by southpaw
Re: accordions and dogs
"Had a dog for a wee while that hated the pipes."
Somebody I played with for a while in Portugal had a dog that growled every time he heard any variety of pipes, even on recordings, when blended in with other instruments. Such a discerning ear. The Portuguese podengo is a highly intelligent breed.
# Posted on September 8th 2009 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: accordions and dogs
I have two westies, one of which heaves a long sigh when I practice the box and goes to sleep on my feet. They seem to leave the room when I practice the fiddle, though. Can't say I blame them.
# Posted on September 8th 2009 by boxielady
Re: accordions and dogs
Snakefingers, I have heard of people "parroting" a song or a part but that parrot screeching out the Tschaikovsky violin part sounds like the most genuine example of "parroting" I have ever heard of.
We have two dogs (a male Golden Retriever and a female German Shepherd) who don't seem to like music at all.
# Posted on September 9th 2009 by fauxcelt
Re: accordions and dogs
Herself's St, Bernard loves to lay in front of me when I practice the box. And when he is truly motivated, he actually walks over and eats his dinner (I practice in the family room where his food is located). He does not like the whistle though.
It has become a ritual. Dog has great taste in instruments!
# Posted on September 9th 2009 by zippydw
Re: accordions and dogs
My little maltese likes the accordion, and unlike her predecessors,who were bigger dogs, enjoys the whistle (probably because it is a soprano, like her, imagine a cross between a tin whistle and a wolf, and you will picture what she sounds like when she tips her head back and howls). But recently, for the first time since we have had her, I pulled out my cornet because I was going to play something in church, and she freaked out, barked continuously until I stopped!
# Posted on September 9th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: accordions and dogs
Every dog I've had seems to love the flute and whistle. As soon as I start playing they come in the room and stay there throughout, making no sound and not interfering in any way.
With regard to bagpipes - my dog nearly had a nervous breakdown on seeing a pipe band marching, she seemed to regard it as some sort of monster, rather than a collection of musicians!
# Posted on September 10th 2009 by The Archivist
Re: accordions and dogs
I've a Brittany Spaniel who would come to my feet and howl along to the box - he didn't like pipes though. I also had (also no more) a malamute who did like pipes. His howl was always in tune
# Posted on September 11th 2009 by MartinJongleur
Re: accordions and dogs
I have and English setter who likes to sings with my accordion. Before I saw this post, I couldn't tell if she liked it or hated it... She seems to like E minor tunes, Morning Dew being one of her favorites. The funny thing is, when I get softer, so does she. When I get louder, she turns up the volume, too. When I stop playing, she does a few more bars and finishes it off...
# Posted on September 13th 2009 by scordion