The accordion (also known as a squeeze-box) is a very popular instrument around the world. The first accordion is said to have originated in Berlin, Germany in the early to mid-1800's. This prototype was very basic in that only the left hand played the keyboard, and the right hand squeezed the bellows. Today's models have a keyboard that is similar to a piano's, as well as a number of buttons which act as bass line for the music that is being played. When played, the bellows are compressed and expanded, which causes air to flow across reeds inside which vibrate. The keys allow certain amounts of air inside, which creates the different tones.
Accordions have long been associated with folk music but has also been written into concert pieces. Because of the modern free bass system, most accordionists are able to play classical music written for piano. In the 1960's, people started having classical competitions where accordionists would play pieces written for piano. Accordions have even been written into rock music, and it is a very popular instrument with buskers.
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