2018 Full Harmonica Masterclass Workshop Schedule (and one 2017 date) in San Jose, CA (School of the Blues)
12/2 - Studio Recording for the Harmonica
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/studio-recordin...
Though titled “Studio Recording” for the harmonica, we’ll be covering much more in this class. We’ll start with live performance, specifically: the correct choice of amplifier (size); different tactics on how to set up your rig (to be heard); how to sound check (not getting drowned out by the band); and mic yourself to be heard (actually mic placement tactics). We’ll then move into the main focus of this class—recording! We’ll start with personal recording (how to achieve a good sound with something as simple as an iPhone), then to home recording (how to set up your own inexpensive home studio), and then finally how to achieve a killer recorded tone in the studio. We’ll be recording into the industry-standard software Pro Tools, both acoustic and amplified. Students will have the opportunity to play a couple of licks in our recording session (not mandatory, but if you would like to, we’ll be doing it!) and see how a studio engineer adds equalization, effects and fixes errors in a performance. I’ll show you the recording process, from start to finish, so when it comes time to do your project, you’ll be better prepared to get in and let the magic happen! This class is for all skill level players. Time: 10:30am-5pm. Cost is $125 and class size is limited to 10 students.
1/19-21 - The Fathers of Post War Blues Harmonica: Little Walter, Big Walter Horton, and Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller)
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/fathers-of-the-...
Spend three days focused on learning Little Walter’s, Big Walter Horton’s and Sonny Boy Williamson II’s (Rice Miller) approach to the diatonic harmonica and post war Chicago blues. In this class I’ll share: well-known recordings from these artists; their importance in history; the key elements to their playing styles; and some of their most famous songs (Juke, Off The Wall, Blue Midnight, Walter’s Boogie, Easy, All My Love In Vain, Bye Bye Bird, etc.). The songs I cover I’ll provide transcriptions and the class will be audio recorded for student’s use after the class. Jam circle Friday night and guitar/harmonica duo performance Saturday night. This class is for lower-intermediate to advanced skill level players (if you’re not sure your skill level is ready for this class, contact me and we’ll discuss). Friday 12:30-9:00pm, Saturday 10:30am-9:00pm and Sunday 10:30am to 4:00pm.Cost is $489 and class size is limited to 10 students.
2/10 - Studio Recording for the Harmonica (see above)
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/studio-recordin...
2/18 - Blues Groove Workshop with Frank De Rose (Bass), Johnny Cat (Gtr) and Kevin Coggins (Drums)
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Spend a day with Frank De Rose, Kevin Coggins and Johnny Cat demonstrating the different grooves used in the blues world. Focus is on identification and examples of each instrument’s roll in these grooves. Students are encouraged to bring their instruments along to play with the instructors. Class is for all instruments and skill level players… limited to 12 students total. Time: 10:30am to 5pm. Cost: $135.
3/24 - Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) Blues Harmonica Workshop
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/sonny-boy-willi...
In this class I’ll share his most well-known recordings; speak of his importance in history; teach the key elements to his style; and some of his most famous songs. The songs I cover I’ll provide transcriptions and the class will be audio recorded for your use after the class. This class is for lower-intermediate to advanced skill level players (if you’re not sure of your skill level, contact me and we’ll discuss). Time: 10:30am-5pm. Cost is $125 and class size is limited to 10 students.
5/4-6 - Legends of the Blues Harmonica: George “Harmonica” Smith, James Cotton, and Junior Wells Blues Harmonica Workshop
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/george-smith-ja...
Spend three days focused on learning George “Harmonica” Smith's, James Cotton's, and Junior Wells' approach to the diatonic harmonica and post war Chicago blues. In this class I’ll share: well-known recordings from these artists; their importance in history; the key elements to their playing styles; and some of their most famous songs (Telephone Blues, Cotton’s Creeper, Chitlin Con Carne, etc.). The songs I cover I’ll provide transcriptions and the class will be audio recorded for your use after the class. Jam circle Friday night and guitar/harmonica duo performance Saturday night. This class is for lower-intermediate to advanced skill level players (if you’re not sure of your skill level, contact me and we’ll discuss). Friday 12:30-9:00pm, Saturday 10:30am-9:00pm and Sunday 10:30am to 4:00pm. Cost is $489 and class size is limited to 10 students.
7/28 - Big Walter Horton Blues Harmonica Workshop
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/big-walter-hort...
In this class I’ll share his most well-known recordings; speak of his importance in history; teach the key elements to his style; and some of his most famous songs. The songs I cover I’ll provide transcriptions and the class will be audio recorded for your use after the class. This class is for lower-intermediate to advanced skill level players (if you’re not sure of your skill level, contact me and we’ll discuss). Time: 10:30am-5pm. Cost is $125 and class size is limited to 10 students.
9/21-23 - Jimmy Reed, Jerry McCain, and Slim Harpo Blues Harmonica Workshop
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/jimmy-reed-jerr...
Spend three days focused on learning Jimmy Reed's, Jerry McCain's, and Slim Harpo's approach to the diatonic harmonica and the blues. In this class I’ll share: well-known recordings from these artists; their importance in history; the key elements to their playing styles; and some of their most famous songs (Honest I Do, Odds and Ends, Steady, Honky Tonk, Scratch My Back, etc.). The songs I cover I’ll provide transcriptions and the class will be audio recorded for your use after the class. Jam circle Friday night and guitar/harmonica duo performance Saturday night. This class is for lower-intermediate to advanced skill level players (if you’re not sure of your skill level, contact me and we’ll discuss). Friday 12:30-9:00pm, Saturday 10:30am-9:00pm and Sunday 10:30am to 4:00pm. Cost is $489 and class size is limited to 10 students.
11/17 - James Cotton and Junior Wells Blues Harmonica Workshop
Register: https://squareup.com/store/harmonica-masterclass-co/item/james-cotton-an...
In this class I’ll share their most well-known recordings; speak of their importance in history; teach the key elements to their styles; and some of their most famous songs. The songs I cover I’ll provide transcriptions and the class will be audio recorded for your use after the class. This class is for lower-intermediate to advanced skill level players (if you’re not sure of your skill level, contact me and we’ll discuss). Time: 10:30am-5pm. Cost is $125 and class size is limited to 10 students.
