An accordion is a musical instrument known for its distinctive, bellows-driven sound. It consists of a keyboard or buttons on either side and a central section with expandable bellows. The player creates music by compressing and expanding the bellows while pressing the keys or buttons, which opens valves to allow air to pass through reeds, producing sound. Each key or button corresponds to a specific note or chord, and the bellows’ motion controls the volume and expression.

Accordions come in various types, including the piano accordion (with a piano-style keyboard) and button accordion (with a button-based system). They are commonly used in folk, traditional, and popular music styles across the world, particularly in genres like French musette, Argentine tango, and polkas. The instrument’s portability and versatility make it a popular choice for solo performances and ensemble playing.