Schirliu Cornel
About
Accordion Teacher – Classical & Freebass | Teens & Adults | 15+ Years of Experience
Hello! My name is Cornel, I’m 27 years old and originally from Moldova. I’ve been studying the accordion since I was 10 years old — that’s over 15 years of experience of working and studying this beautiful and expressive instrument.
For the past 5+ years, I’ve been working with students of all ages — children, teens, and adults — and helping them discover how rewarding and enjoyable music can be. I specialize in classical accordion using the freebass system, and I always adapt my teaching style to fit each student’s personality and pace.
Even though I’m still completing my formal studies in music education, I’ve already helped many students grow technically and musically — and most importantly, to enjoy the process. Working for over 5 years with children as young as 3 and adults over 60 has taught me to be patient, flexible, and to adapt my lessons in creative ways to suit different needs and learning styles.
I believe that learning should feel inspiring, not intimidating. Whether you're a total beginner or coming back to the accordion after years, we’ll move step by step, with structure — and lots of encouragement.
What I offer:
-
Lessons for all levels (beginner to advanced)
-
Friendly, relaxed atmosphere — but with clear progress!
-
Freebass and standard bass accordion
-
Children, teens, and adults
-
Classical technique, posture, expression, reading
-
Exam prep or hobby learning
-
Lessons in English, Romanian, Russian, and basic Italian
🎵 If you’re curious, let’s try a lesson — no stress, just music!
Teaching Style
Whether you are picking up the accordion for the very first time or looking to refine your skills, my lessons are patient, structured, and tailored entirely to your pace. From day one, we focus on a healthy foundation—ensuring correct posture, comfortable hand position, and relaxed body alignment so you can play comfortably and tension-free.
We also explore the unique soul of the instrument by mastering the bellows. You will learn how to control this "breath" of the accordion and coordinate both hands naturally, turning instrument mechanics into genuine musical expression without feeling overwhelmed.
When it comes to learning new music, we never rush. Together, we break every piece down step-by-step—starting with rhythm, articulation, and phrasing—so you always know how to practice efficiently and feel completely supported along the way.
Ultimately, my goal is to help you build solid confidence while exploring the styles that inspire you most, whether that means folk, tango, classical, or contemporary music. No stress, just clear guidance and steady progress at your own speed!
Curriculum
My teaching method focuses on building strong fundamentals through clear technique, musical understanding, and a step-by-step approach designed around your personal pace.
I provide a selection of beginner-friendly materials and method books to get you started. However, I am always excited to work with the music you bring to the table—whether you want to learn a specific piece, explore a new style, or use a book you already own.
If you already have some basic music theory knowledge or feel comfortable reading sheet music, we can dive straight into advanced technique and expression. But if you are a complete beginner, there is absolutely no pressure! We will develop these reading skills gradually and naturally as we play.
Above all, my lessons are highly adaptable. I regularly create custom exercises suited to your learning style, ensuring that whether your goal is sight-reading, musicality, or performance preparation, you feel fully supported on your musical journey.
Credentials & Affiliations
My Studies
I began my formal music education at the age of 10, studying for 7 years at the Eugen Doga School of Arts in Strășeni, Moldova, where I received a strong foundation in classical accordion performance. I then continued my professional training for 4 years at the Centrul de Excelență în Educație Artistică “Ștefan Neaga” in Chișinău, Moldova, where I earned my diploma in music performance. After completing my studies at “Ștefan Neaga,” I began studying independently and took private lessons with distinguished accordionists, which helped further refine my technique and musical interpretation. In 2022, I had the opportunity to study for a year at the Royal Danish Academy of Music (RDAM) in Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on advanced accordion performance and pedagogy. Since 2024, I have been pursuing my studies at the National Academy of Music "Gheorghe Dima" (ANMGD) in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. There, I have the privilege of being a student of the renowned accordionist Radu Rățoi, who is helping me continuously improve my technical skills and musical refinement.
Professional Performance Experience
Although my focus has been primarily on studying and exploring the accordion in depth, I have participated in several local and international competitions throughout my career. Notably, in 2020, I was awarded the Grand Prix at the "DoReMi Fest" International Competition held in Moldova, which recognized my technical skill and musical interpretation. I also took part in the World Trophy (Trophée Mondial) accordion competitions in 2019 in Loulé, Portugal, and again in 2021 online. More recently, in 2025, I participated in the international competition "Moldova Accordion Days" in Moldova. These experiences have been crucial in shaping my decision to pursue advanced studies in accordion performance.
A major highlight of my performing career was my participation in the prestigious George Enescu International Festival in Bucharest. During this event, I had the honor of performing with the orchestra of the Romanian Athenaeum in the contemporary opera Fin de partie by György Kurtág. In addition to classical and contemporary orchestral projects, I actively perform with a folk ensemble in Moldova, participating in traditional events that enrich my cultural understanding. Currently, I dedicate significant time to preparing for exams and upcoming concerts, continuously refining my technique and expanding my repertoire.
Teaching experience
I gained my first formal teaching experience working as a general music teacher at a kindergarten from 2021 to 2025, instructing children between the ages of two and seven. My role involved creating and delivering music lessons grounded in general educational themes, including rhythm exercises, vocal training, movement activities, active listening, and creative sound exploration to support the development of foundational musical skills.
In addition to my work in early childhood education, over the past three years I have been actively working as an accordion mentor on various online platforms—including this one—as well as through Liberty Bellows, a Philadelphia-based accordion retailer. This extensive online teaching experience has given me the opportunity to put my specific teaching methods into practice with a diverse, international student base. By delivering customized lessons focused on technique and musical interpretation, I have been able to see significant, rewarding results and continuous progress in my students' musical journeys.
