General Information on Classes
San Jose, CA - May 15-17, 2009
Trossingen Germany -
10/29-11/2/08
(You will be redirected to the Hohner website for info)
Information
Class Schedule
Testimonials
Word from the Founder
Past
Guest Artists, Workshops, Pictures, and Articles
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Participant
Testimonials...
“This workshop turned on
numerous light bulbs for me in just a short time. The opportunity to get
one-on-one, and small group instruction from master harp players, was incredibly
helpful. I also enjoyed meeting and hearing other students play, and learning
techniques, etc through networking. Course materials were extremely well
written, thorough and well organized. Overall class structure showed great
thought and preparation. I can easily see why so many people were return
students.” John Lee
“Harmonica Masterclass is a mind-bending,
fantastic music experience. Harmonica master players, who are also exceptionally
kind teachers, helped us all become better players and aspire to learn more.”
Dennis Low
“As always, I
got tremendous instruction as well as great friendships out of the course. I
hope to be back.” Hans Peter
“The HMW was a
really fabulous and inspiring experience. The instructors are
incredible—tremendously skilled at the instrument, and thoughtful, intelligent,
and humble teachers. I’ve played for many years and have never learned so much
of use to my playing in such a short period of time. I recommend it to harp
players of all levels.” George Bisharat
“The focus with a small group and an
accomplished artist/teacher with specific topics has proved to be second to
none. Well structured, yet informal. Inspirational! What better way to learn
than from the pros. I will be the first to sign up for next year’s workshop.”
Richard B. Ravel
“As a self-taught semi-professional musician
(with a day job), the Harmonica Masterclass allowed me to review fundamental
concepts, explore advanced concepts, and interact with touring professional
musicians such as Rick Estrin, Dennis Gruenling, Gary Smith and Joe Filisko.”
Richard “Doc” Malone
“The instructors were out of this world. Dave
Barrett teaches in such a way as to instruct beginners, clarify for
intermediates, and perfect for advanced students—across all varieties of
material difficulty. Kinya Pollard kept me engaged in the bending class at my
own level with each individual exercise, while others moved ahead. He made a
tailor-made example for me to work on that I could succeed at. It was awesome. I
never felt left behind and I’m a beginner—a newbie. And I can’t forget Joe
Filisko. He taught my last class. Joe is a great instructor, very thorough and
is passionate about going around to ensure each student has proper
technique—with sound/tone, etc. I didn’t take a class from Dennis Gruenling
because I don’t play the chromatic harmonica, but I had the opportunity to have
him teach me some great techniques on tongue blocking at the help session! He’s
a natural teacher and in 15 minutes I was able to tongue block bend and perform
octaves, amazing others! Thank you all! I look forward to next year.” Christine
Lynders
“I came hoping to take a
shoebox of knowledge but left with enough material to fill the Grand
Canyon. All the instructors were awesome and very encouraging to all
levels of student.“ Curt Vincent, New Jersey 2006
“These guys are quite simply the best harp teachers in the world. Very
cool, friendly folks. The program makes the mysteries of the classic blues
harp transparent. Teaching requires different skills than performing and
these guys are incredibly talented at both." Ted Bedard, New Jersey 2006
“As a player between beginner and intermediate, I felt very comfortable.
Concepts and techniques are introduced gradually and reinforced throughout
a lesson. All instructors are patient and articulate. I learned a lot
more than I expected to learn and enjoyed myself more than I can
describe. All around an excellent musical experience.“ Mike Vallely, New
Jersey 2006
“There is no other place in the world, short of private lessons, that I
could go to learn so much from so many gifted professionals. Much time
for me this coming year in the woodshed. “ Ken Klaus, New Jersey 2006
“The teachers made it seem as if I were the only student. In the
workshop, I received the help I needed to step to the next level. “ Gary
T. Beyerlein, New Jersey 2006
“This is my third Masterclass and it just keeps getting better! It’s the
only place I can go where I know that I will be pushed to the next level
of playing. A must for the professional harp player! “ Tom Brumley, New
Jersey 2006
“This was a lot more fun and work than I expected. I realized now that
there is more structure involved than I imagined. Thank you all and
expect to see me again sometime soon. Thanks again.“ Chuck Wagner, New
Jersey 2006
“This workshop gave me a vision of where I could grow as a player. I
think in a totally different way about playing and listening.” Rick
Baumgartner, New Jersey 2006
“For someone who plays songs and may be in a small group and happy, go to
a Masterclass workshop and have your eyes opened and your horizons
broadened. It was like hearing about the universe after looking at the
moon and a few stars all your life.“ Jack Lupas, New Jersey 2006
“David is not just an expert on his subject matter. He is one of the best
communicators period. His verbal and non-verbal [communication] are as
systematic and clear as his playing. You will never feel intimidated
during his instruction." Bill Sanderson, New Jersey 2006
“Joe Filisko and David
Barrett’s knowledge and enthusiasm for playing and teaching harmonica are
without equal.“ Geoff Baillie, New Jersey 2006
“On a scale on 1 to 10, the History of The Blues Harmonica [concert] was a
12. I have never heard a harp played so well. While Dave gave homage to
the Masters, he, Joe, Dennis and Kinya are undoubtedly masters in their
own right.“ Lou Rotondo, New Jersey 2006
“This is my fourth time attending. Each time I learn more and get
motivated to study. David Barrett has assembled a great team of
instructors. I look forward to continuing my harmonica instruction with
such a great group.“
Mike Battistella, New Jersey 2006
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The 2009 San
Jose Harmonica Workshop is making an exciting journey into some new study
areas. For the first time we're offering an entire weekend focused on
blues chromatic; a class focusing on Sonny Terry’s playing style;
and finally a day of student playing assessments and helping you
directly in our help room on Sunday.
MORNING
PROGRAMS
Participants
meet as a group for general announcements and a quick group lesson. After
the morning session you head out to your day classes.
DAY
PROGRAMS
FRIDAY 5/15 you’ll have the opportunity to study Beg/Int Blues
Chromatic with David Barrett, 3rd Position Playing with Dennis Gruenling,
Bending & Tongue Blocking with Kinya Pollard and Sonny Terry's playing style
with Joe Filisko.
SATURDAY 5/16 you’ll have the opportunity to study Beg/Int Blues
Chromatic with David Barrett, Int/Adv Blues Chromatic with Dennis Gruenling,
Harmonica Maintenance with Kinya Pollard and Sonny Terry's playing style
with Joe Filisko.
SUNDAY 5/17
After spending some time listening to our
guest artists in the morning we’ll separate into classes where one core
instructor and one guest artist (such as Joe Filisko and Rick Estrin) will
spend time listening to your playing and give you an assessment on where
you’re at and how you can improve. The day finishes with the help room,
where you can ask questions of any of the instructors or guest artists
individually.
EVENING PROGRAMS
Thursday Evening
- 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
If you’re staying at the hotel
Thursday evening come join us for an informal meet-and-greet from 8:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. During this time you can pick up your name badge and mingle
with the other students. Last year I pulled out my bass and Joe Filisko
played guitar for a jam circle… it was a lot of fun. So, if you’re flying in
Thursday night and you want to hang with us a little before the weekend
starts you’re welcome to join us.
Friday Evening Sessions - 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Jam with one of the best harp-backing blues bands
in the world, led by Rusty Zinn. Get up and play a song or sit and enjoy the
music of fellow students. Jam is kept loose with a focus on having a good
time! We’ll also have another room for a jam circle. A jam circle is where
there’s a guitarist and all of the harp players sit in a circle, taking
turns playing (off-stage and off-mic)… everyone gets to play in this room!
Again, focus is on having a good time… no reason to feel stressed about
playing in front of others in this room!
Saturday Evening Concert
- 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
This is where the staff instructors (who are
world-class performers) play for you in an intimate setting. Music varies
from pre-war and country blues harmonica… to 1940’s jump and swing blues… to
post-war Chicago blues… to Rockin’ modern blues. No extra tickets will be
sold to this event this year… this is just for you guys!
CLASS CONSTRUCTION
Instruction time in each class is three hours. This amount of time allows
us to go into great detail on each subject and have playing time
for the students to try the presented material. We try to keep a 40%
instruction and 60% student play time ratio to allow for teacher/student
interaction.
Each class
will include a detailed handout. Instructors will walk you through
the material and add insight to the various topics in the class. In most
classes the instructor will explain a technique or concept and will then
direct the class in group playing. Sometimes the instructor will have each
person try the new technique or concept one-by-one, if it is particularly
important. We do our best to offer as much playing time as possible, but
we also recognize that too much individual playing limits the progress of
a class. The Friday evening Help Room is available for students to ask
questions of the teachers in a more relaxed setting.
SKILL LEVEL
REQUIREMENTS
These classes are for intermediate to advanced skill level
players. All
students should have certain basic skills to attend these classes. Unless you’re a rank
beginner, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to attend these
classes with a little work. The most important area for you is to have
good control over your bending and have a feel for the 12 Bar Blues
Progression. Having some skill in Tongue Blocking is highly recommended,
though not required for the classes. If you have any questions about your skills, please email us
with any questions
(info@harmonicamasterclass.com).
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR INDIVIDUAL
CLASSES
After registration you will be sent a confirmation packet via PDF. In this
packet you will have a sheet to select which classes you will like to
attend. You will mail or fax the class selection sheet
back to us to reserve your class selections.
LOCATION
San Jose Hilton
& Towers
Reservations Phone: (408) 287-2100
Reservations Fax: (408) 947-4489
300 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110
San
Jose Hilton Website
Room
Rates
$105 - All rooms
are booked directly with San Jose Hilton &
Towers. Please state that you are with the Harmonica
Masterclass Workshop group to get this discount rate. These rates are
very good for this area. These room rates typically sell out and are not
guaranteed to be available; please call the hotel as soon
as you can to reserve your room at this rate if available. It is highly
recommended (even if you live locally) to stay at the hotel. We're going
to work you hard each day! Students that have commuted in the past for
each day's classes usually state that they wished they would have stayed
at the hotel.
Registration
- Register Now Before Classes Fill!
Cost for this workshop weekend is $429.
Click here to register for this class or
register by mail by sending check payment (payable to Harmonica
Masterclass) to PO Box 1723,
Morgan Hill, CA 95038. You can also contact us via phone at 877-HarpClass (877-427-7252 or
408-224-2937). Most classes sell out, so don't delay in registering.
Register Now!
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Rod Piazza
Mark Hummel
Rick Estrin
Gary Smith
(Pictured at right)
Rust Zinn
*See registration page for guest artist conditions
Staff Instructors
David Barrett
Joe Filisko
Dennis Gruenling
Kinya Pollard
Picture by Maurice Thaler
Director
Dennis Carelli
2007 workshop Pictures, Reviews & Participant
Testimonials
“I found
the class absolutely packed with useful information. All instructors were
fantastic harp players and terrific instructors with lots of experience in
both. The workshop exceeded my expectations... I am leaving very inspired
to continue to improve.” Jay Stanley
Participant
Testimonials
&
Pictures
San Jose
- 2008
San Jose - 2007
New Jersey -
2006
Texas
- 2005
California
- 2005
Washington - 2005
Chicago
2004
California 2004
California 2003
New York 2003
Texas 2002
New York 2002
Hawaii 2002
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