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What's New - Instructor Training

Posted Fri, 09/29/2017 - 11:38 by David Barrett Admin
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For those interested in teaching harmonica, and have completed Levels of Achievement Level 6 at BluesHarmonica.com, a series of instructor training videos is now on the site for you to work through. This material consists of topics such as choosing a teaching location, teaching days and times, fees, how to assess where a student starts in their training, and training for you on how to help students with technique at advancing levels. I also provide templates for you to use in your teaching and discounts for your students to access BluesHarmonica.com. continue reading...

What's New - Vintage Harmonica Books for Sale

Posted Fri, 09/01/2017 - 16:07 by David Barrett Admin
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Some more of my personal collection for sale on eBay. Today… vintage harmonica books! Click here http://www.ebay.com/itm/122681836762 and then Seller Information for all my listings. Have a great weekend everyone!

What's New - Rare Harp Mics and Connectors for Sale

Posted Mon, 08/21/2017 - 19:21 by David Barrett Admin
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I’m selling some classic mics and connectors on eBay. Below are links if you’re interested in bidding. Thanks!

Astatic JT-30 Vintage Bullet Mic with Crystal Element
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122661702172

Rare 1939 Shure 7A Vintage Bullet Mic with Black Label R5 CR Element
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122661670032

Screw-on Output Connector Collection
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122661118215

Switchcraft 328 Volume Control for Bullet Mics
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122661116953

Tip of the Day - 78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings

Posted Mon, 08/14/2017 - 10:23 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

Listen to a collection of 78rpm records and cylinder recordings released in the early 20th century. These recordings were contributed to the Archive by users through the Open Source Audio collection. Also the Internet Archive has digitized many. Here's the homepage https://archive.org/details/78rpm And an example you might enjoy on John Lee Williamson (Sonny Boy II) https://archive.org/details/TheRealSonnyBoyWilliamsonjohnLeeWilliamson Thanks to John H for sharing

What's New: Congratulations to the following Global Blues Harmonica Summit improvising video giveaway winners!

Posted Mon, 08/07/2017 - 09:41 by David Barrett Admin
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Congratulations to the following Global Blues Harmonica Summit improvising video giveaway winners! Paul Arrighi (Hohner CX-12 Chromatic Harmonica); Tina Wisecarver (6-Month Subscription to tomlinharmonicalessons.com); Eli Ariel (6 Month Live Online Recorded Class Membership with Ronnie Shellist); Kamyar Bayat (Hohner Crossover Set: G, A, Bb, C and D); Marc Graci ($75 digital download from Modern Blues Harmonica); Justin Norton (Hohner Special 20 Set: G, A, Bb, C and D); and Daniel Vilaplana (6-Month Subscription at BluesHarmonica.com). Thanks to Hohner Harmonicas for sponsoring this giveaway. continue reading...

Tip of the Day: Talking Metronome

Posted Mon, 07/31/2017 - 13:36 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

Counting in your mind is part of the process of reading sheet music (like you do with your study songs at BluesHarmonica.com), especially when it comes to long-held notes and rests. This becomes increasingly difficult while playing in time with a metronome. To help you keep track of where you are within the bar, here's a metronome that counts for you http://eumlab.com/pro-metronome/. After downloading this free program, click on settings and choose the "Voice Counting" option.

Tip of the Day - Inexpensive Harmonica Case Ideas

Posted Wed, 07/12/2017 - 14:33 by David Barrett Admin
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One of the fun things about being a harmonica player is to make your own harmonica case. Cases exist on the market specifically built to carry harmonicas, but to carry a lot of harmonicas they’re commonly large and heavy. If you’re looking for something cheap and in a small package, look no further than your local stores. These three cases are from Target and Walmart, the most expensive one being $13 and the least $4. continue reading...

Announcement - Final Reminder for Global Blues Harmonica Summit and Improvising Video Giveaway

Posted Fri, 07/07/2017 - 10:23 by David Barrett Admin
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Here's a quick reminder to those who were thinking about attending the upcoming Global Blues Harmonica Summit that signups are still available. Also, don't pass up the opportunity to win some great prizes in the Global Blues Harmonica Summit Improvising Video Giveaway sponsored by Hohner Harmonicas.

To learn more about the event and register, visit http://www.globalbluesharmonicasummit.com

To learn more about the Improvising Video Giveaway see my video here https://youtu.be/DjN8pyDUzU8 continue reading...

What's New - Documentary Harmonica Film - The Making of It Takes Three DVD

Posted Tue, 06/06/2017 - 18:21 by David Barrett Admin
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For those that live within the United States (DVD region is set to United States), the two-hour long documentary film featuring the making of the harmonica-centric CD “It Takes Three” is here! You’ll see the creative process of Gary Smith, Aki Kumar, and David Barrett working with the Bay Area’s top blues musicians—rehearsing and recording each of the fifteen songs on the CD at Kid Andersen’s famous Greaseland Studios. continue reading...

Tip of the Day - If you want to become a great musician...

Posted Tue, 05/30/2017 - 16:26 by David Barrett Admin
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“If you want to become a great musician, you need to know three things. First, you must master the rules before trying to break them. Second, music is about tension and resolve. Third, practice, practice, practice, but when you’re out playing, forget it all.” Unattributed classical composer, quote from the Jazz of Physics by Stephon Alexander