Buy a Geek an Accordion and Lessons
Donation protected
Hey there.
If you're here, it's probably because you're a follower of mine on Social Media going, "Is he really doing this GoFundMe? I thought he gave it up after the Kickstarter was denied?" If you're not one of those fine people, let me introduce myself. I'm Tony Troxell, and I'm a blogger, podcaster, and regionally internet famous B-Level celebrity out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the years, I've looked at Crowdfunding for different reasons. Sometimes it's been to get better equipment, other times it's been to help with medical bills. However, I've never pulled the trigger. Not until today. So what grand thing is this Geek finally diving into Crowdfunding for?
A used accordion.
You see, here's the thing. I love music. I love making music. In high school and college, until I picked up smoking, I owned and played Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Sax. I've plinked around on keyboards and piano, even taking some lessons in the late 90's. Over the past few years, I've attempted to learn both the banjo and the ukulele, but my fingers are a bit too short and wide, and I have problems with the strings on the neck. However, I have tried out an accordion, and I really like it.
I'll also admit that, while growing up, two of my favorite bands/musicians were "Weird Al" Yankovic and They Might Be Giants. This might be influencing my decision just a bit.
So, here's the deal. Arthur's Music in Fountain Square normally has a good selection of used, but solid, accordions to choose from. This picture was taken late last year, and is fairly representative of what they normally have:
Accordion Selection, 9/8/2018
My goal is to have a successful campaign, get the money, and haul butt over to Arthur's Music to get a decent accordion. Once it is in my hands, and I know it works, that's where I start working on rewards.
The first level of rewards are simple: Take a picture of my insanely happy grin as I hold my new (to me) accordion and email it with a thank you to all my $1 supporters. (Unlimited)
The second level is a bit more difficult: I figure out how to play a passable version of "Happy Birthday", record personalized versions for everyone at the $25 level, and get them a copy in MP3 format. More on that in a bit. (25 available)
The third level will take some time. At the $50 level, you'll also get a personalized "Happy Birthday" song recording, but this will be after I have taken lessons for about six months. Needless to say, this will take a bit longer to deliver on. Say, about six months after I start lessons? Don't worry, I'll communicate via email what's going on, so you know I won't forget! (20 available)
The fourth, and final level, is the $75 one, which will allow people to see how I improve with six months of lessons. They'll get the initial personalized "Happy Birthday" song, and then the more polished "Happy Birthday" song. (10 available)
When it comes to lessons, I've got a couple choices lined up in either Broad Ripple or Fountain Square, so fear not! There are accordion teachers in the city of Indianapolis!
Now, a couple of important things to keep in mind:
- First, this was originally written for Kickstarter, which has an easy way to keep track of donations and goals. This platform? I really don't know. So, if you do something that falls into one of those goal levels, let me know and I'll get you on a sheet to get your reward.
- This is being done for fun, and because friends saw me joke about it and wanted me to actually do it. There aren't really any stretch goals, or add-ons. This isn't something I want to see go big. Every level (except the $1) has a cap on it, to keep me from getting overwhelmed. When that cap has been reached (if?), I'll put a note in telling everyone.
-In the off chance I DO meet, and even exceed, the goal, I'm still going to go for the $500 range on the accordion. That should get me a very solid used accordion. Then, any extra will go to the accessories, like a case, good straps, and other equipment. If I STILL have anything left over, it will be going towards paying for the lessons. If I hit every available cap, it's enough for the accordion and at least the six months worth of lessons, even after I pay whatever Kickstarter fees come out. I have no idea. I haven't looked at this that deep.
- Very important! When it comes to the personalized "Happy Birthday" songs, I absolutely refuse to do anything hateful, racist, offensive, or just downright distasteful. I am firm on this. "But Tony, how will you decide if something falls under those guidelines?" Well, if you're not sure, ask me before you pledge your support, because I don't care what level you are, I will not do it.
- Finally, if you're wondering where the final goal number came from? That's what it would have been if I hit all the caps on Kickstarter. That will cover the accordion, equipment, and close to six months worth of weekly lessons for the instrument, along with fees.
So, if you want to help give, and receive, the gift of happiness and music, feel free to show me your support!
If you're here, it's probably because you're a follower of mine on Social Media going, "Is he really doing this GoFundMe? I thought he gave it up after the Kickstarter was denied?" If you're not one of those fine people, let me introduce myself. I'm Tony Troxell, and I'm a blogger, podcaster, and regionally internet famous B-Level celebrity out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the years, I've looked at Crowdfunding for different reasons. Sometimes it's been to get better equipment, other times it's been to help with medical bills. However, I've never pulled the trigger. Not until today. So what grand thing is this Geek finally diving into Crowdfunding for?
A used accordion.
You see, here's the thing. I love music. I love making music. In high school and college, until I picked up smoking, I owned and played Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Sax. I've plinked around on keyboards and piano, even taking some lessons in the late 90's. Over the past few years, I've attempted to learn both the banjo and the ukulele, but my fingers are a bit too short and wide, and I have problems with the strings on the neck. However, I have tried out an accordion, and I really like it.
I'll also admit that, while growing up, two of my favorite bands/musicians were "Weird Al" Yankovic and They Might Be Giants. This might be influencing my decision just a bit.
So, here's the deal. Arthur's Music in Fountain Square normally has a good selection of used, but solid, accordions to choose from. This picture was taken late last year, and is fairly representative of what they normally have:
Accordion Selection, 9/8/2018
My goal is to have a successful campaign, get the money, and haul butt over to Arthur's Music to get a decent accordion. Once it is in my hands, and I know it works, that's where I start working on rewards.
The first level of rewards are simple: Take a picture of my insanely happy grin as I hold my new (to me) accordion and email it with a thank you to all my $1 supporters. (Unlimited)
The second level is a bit more difficult: I figure out how to play a passable version of "Happy Birthday", record personalized versions for everyone at the $25 level, and get them a copy in MP3 format. More on that in a bit. (25 available)
The third level will take some time. At the $50 level, you'll also get a personalized "Happy Birthday" song recording, but this will be after I have taken lessons for about six months. Needless to say, this will take a bit longer to deliver on. Say, about six months after I start lessons? Don't worry, I'll communicate via email what's going on, so you know I won't forget! (20 available)
The fourth, and final level, is the $75 one, which will allow people to see how I improve with six months of lessons. They'll get the initial personalized "Happy Birthday" song, and then the more polished "Happy Birthday" song. (10 available)
When it comes to lessons, I've got a couple choices lined up in either Broad Ripple or Fountain Square, so fear not! There are accordion teachers in the city of Indianapolis!
Now, a couple of important things to keep in mind:
- First, this was originally written for Kickstarter, which has an easy way to keep track of donations and goals. This platform? I really don't know. So, if you do something that falls into one of those goal levels, let me know and I'll get you on a sheet to get your reward.
- This is being done for fun, and because friends saw me joke about it and wanted me to actually do it. There aren't really any stretch goals, or add-ons. This isn't something I want to see go big. Every level (except the $1) has a cap on it, to keep me from getting overwhelmed. When that cap has been reached (if?), I'll put a note in telling everyone.
-In the off chance I DO meet, and even exceed, the goal, I'm still going to go for the $500 range on the accordion. That should get me a very solid used accordion. Then, any extra will go to the accessories, like a case, good straps, and other equipment. If I STILL have anything left over, it will be going towards paying for the lessons. If I hit every available cap, it's enough for the accordion and at least the six months worth of lessons, even after I pay whatever Kickstarter fees come out. I have no idea. I haven't looked at this that deep.
- Very important! When it comes to the personalized "Happy Birthday" songs, I absolutely refuse to do anything hateful, racist, offensive, or just downright distasteful. I am firm on this. "But Tony, how will you decide if something falls under those guidelines?" Well, if you're not sure, ask me before you pledge your support, because I don't care what level you are, I will not do it.
- Finally, if you're wondering where the final goal number came from? That's what it would have been if I hit all the caps on Kickstarter. That will cover the accordion, equipment, and close to six months worth of weekly lessons for the instrument, along with fees.
So, if you want to help give, and receive, the gift of happiness and music, feel free to show me your support!
Organizer
Tony Troxell
Organizer
Indianapolis, IN
