Department of Accordion
Head of the Department:
Prof. Raimondas Sviackevičius
E-mail: raimondas.sviackevicius@lmta.lt
Coordinator:
Asta Vaitkevičiūtė-Skliutė
E-mail: asta.vaitkeviciute@lmta.lt
Phone: +370 5 262 8537
LMTA Building 2, Vilniaus 6-2, 01110 Vilnius, Lithuania
Room: 304
Address:
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Building IV
T. Kosciuškos 10, 01100 Vilnius, Room 302
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/LMTAakordeonistai
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/lmtaacco
Department artistic group: LMTA Accordion Orchestra
Department of Accordion
The Accordion Class was established in 1959. Over time, accordion music has evolved and transformed, keeping pace with global trends and becoming an attractive instrument. A significant milestone in redefining the image of the accordion and establishing its modern identity was the founding of the independent Accordion Department in 2014, which has since initiated innovative projects and engaging activities.
The Accordion Department is modern and, in recent decades, has been highly active in international exchanges between teachers and students. Renowned educators from prestigious institutions worldwide are regularly invited to share their expertise with the department’s students, and many visiting professors give recitals, providing invaluable benefits to young musicians. Students gain international experience through Erasmus+, Nordplus, and other mobility programmes at partner music academies. A strong collaboration network in the field of accordion studies (Vilnius-Copenhagen-Helsinki) serves as a vital platform for acquiring key impulses for the development of contemporary accordion performance. In addition to live activities, the department has organized virtual masterclass sessions, three-site virtual concert formats, flash mobs, and installations. There is close collaboration with young composers, leading to the premieres of new works. Accordion specialists worldwide recognize Vilnius as a major center for accordion studies.
Students of the department, both as soloists and ensemble members, regularly participate in prestigious international competitions, winning top prizes and awards. They are also active participants in various festivals and international projects, performing at events in Lithuania and abroad.
The department’s faculty comprises distinguished artists and experienced educators who are actively involved in concert activities. They frequently perform in Lithuania and internationally, collaborating with festivals, chamber ensembles of various formations, and symphony or chamber orchestras. As both soloists and ensemble members, they consistently present diverse programs. Many newly composed works by Lithuanian composers have been initiated by the department’s faculty. They have also released recordings, contributed to radio archives, and are frequently invited for interviews and event presentations on radio and television.
The faculty members are often invited to give lectures at the world’s leading music academies, participate as experts in various events organized by international institutions, and serve as jury members in international competitions and forums. They ensure the highest quality of education, passing on their knowledge with the primary goal of nurturing free, creative personalities. Regular updates in teaching methodology, repertoire, faculty professional development, and international collaborations are key aspects of the department’s activities.
The Accordion Department offers Bachelor‘s (BA), Master’s (MA), and Artistic doctorate (MD) programmes.
The department trains versatile musicians, incorporating the study of transcriptions of early music, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic works while strongly encouraging the performance of original accordion compositions from the 20th and 21st centuries. Besides solo performance, chamber music holds a significant place in the curriculum. Chamber ensembles take two forms: accordion ensembles (duos, trios, quintets) and mixed chamber ensembles featuring other instruments (strings, winds, etc.). The ensemble repertoire mainly consists of original compositions, including works by Lithuanian composers.
A key element in uniting students into a collective performance environment is the Accordion Orchestra, where students develop their orchestral and ensemble playing skills. The orchestra tradition at LMTA dates back to the establishment of the accordion specialty in 1959. Students specializing in conducting have excellent opportunities to work with the orchestra and implement their programmes. The orchestra is an active performing ensemble, preparing both academically challenging and audience-friendly programs each year.
The department’s excellence is further demonstrated by the increasing number of international students choosing to study here, either for full-time studies or Erasmus+ exchange programme. The department fosters internationalization and collaboration, ensuring that foreign students integrate smoothly and feel welcomed. Many students who initially come for a single semester extend their studies for an additional semester or year.
A flexible approach to each accordion student, considering their level, interests, taste, and personality, is a core principle of the department’s teaching process. This fosters a positive atmosphere, strong communication, and continuous improvement in performance through exposure to new repertoire and overall personal development.
Each year, the department organizes several major international events, attracting not only Lithuanian but also foreign professionals and audiences. The International Accordion Competition, recognized in recent years as one of the most prestigious in Europe, draws specialists from around the world. Every autumn, the department hosts an international masterclass session, featuring guest lecturers conducting workshops, practical seminars, and lectures. Additionally, the department’s participation in the annual international festival-seminar in Palanga provides students with valuable learning opportunities from visiting professors and performance experiences in local concert halls.