Paul Hutchinson

accordionist | composer | workshop leader

Paul Hutchinson is a member of the much-loved duo Belshazzar’s Feast (nominated for Best Duo at BBC Folk Awards), Pagoda Project (the debut album Clarion received 5 star reviews from Songlines and fRoots) and more recently, The Maniacs. Paul is also an experienced accordion and mixed instrument workshop leader.

Paul’s website: www.paulhutchinsonmusic.co.uk

Read more about Paul

Paul is regarded as one of the top folk accordionists in the country due to his unique, refreshing, and at times ‘classical’ approach to playing.

His keen interest and knowledge of 17th & 18th-century music has resulted in appearances at dance festivals in the UK, Europe, and the USA. Faber has recently published his book, Sixty Country Dances For the Years 1786 and 1800 and he edited three volumes of music by 18th century composer/choreographer Nathaniel Kynaston.

His love of fusion music originates from his days in the renowned Celtic jazzers, Hoover the Dog. Pagoda Project, another chapter in his musical journey, provides a vehicle for his own compositions with more than a helping hand from the wonderful jazz clarinettist, Karen Wimhurst.

At the moment Paul is putting the finishing touches to an album of his compositions featuring musicians from around the world: Väsen (Sweden), Naragonia (Belgium), Allye Sinclair (Australia), Shira Kammen and Karen Axelrod (USA) and Sheepstealers, Karen Wimhurst and Seona Pritchard (UK).

Watch an introduction from Paul
Contact Paul

Email Paul on paulaccordion@gmail.com

Paul Hutchinson with his accordion
“Paul has been an inspirational teacher both at Cecil Sharp House and at Halsway Manor over several years.  I started knowing nothing about the accordion, and through his guidance and teaching, and wonderful collection of accessible and enjoyable music, I am now a competent player, and am composing my own pieces.  Learning with Paul is fun, challenging and never boring.”
“I’ve attended Paul’s classes on a regular basis for several years now, and have really enjoyed his teaching style and approach. I have particularly liked the way he uses his own material to introduce techniques to his students, and his unique humour and personality always makes the session very enjoyable.”

“As an adult learner I was nervous when I joined Paul’s class but I needn’t have been. With his warmth and humour he quickly put me at ease. He’s excellent at assessing student’s abilities and interests and pitching lessons accordingly, so that they’re the right amount of challenging.”

“A gifted musician and skilled teacher, Paul’s lessons are a lot of fun; he’s kind, friendly and patient, he has vast musical experience and a wonderful ability to relate to people. His demonstrations are always inspiring and my confidence has steadily grown in his class.”

“I look forward to lessons and the beautiful music he chooses/composes makes me want to keep learning. More than anything, I’ve valued his way of encouraging a kind of musical sensibility so that even to someone with pretty limited skills he extends the possibility of playing with heart and sensitivity. I highly recommend learning with him.”

Paul’s Courses for Groups

Courses Search and Views Navigation

Course Views Navigation

Today