Lessons in Classical Music on the 16 Hole Chromatic
Hello, Winslow!
David Barrett instructed me to ask for your assistance in the above referenced matter. My interest lays within the realm of classical music and I would love to be able to find someone who can instruct me in playing this musical fach on the chromatic harmonica, specifically the 16 hole Chromonica 280C.
I am already a trained classical musician (former opera singer) and need no instruction in reading music, breath control, or learning music theory. My needs are strictly in how to play the harmonica in question within the classical genre. Would you be able to help me or know of someone who can? I know this is a tall order, but I will greatly appreciate your intervention in this matter.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Tom Barrett
Thank you, Winslow! This is wonderful information, which I will immediately use - after the New Year Holiday. In answer to your question, I am in New Jersey, a bit too far from your area, but thanks for the invite. If I am ever in the Bay Area I will look you up.
Yes, I understand the difference between singing and the use of the breath in harmonica playing, but am thankful for your input. It does take a bit more focus when I play the harmonica, as I am use to focusing my breath in a slightly different manner when singing. Be assured I will keep your statements in mind when continuing my skills with this instrument.
I promise that I will not be put off by the cover page on Mr. Tate's book! Many operatic scores also have some very unsightly looking covers, so I am use to this type of display.
Glad you brought up Larry Adler. He is an incredible role model for anyone interested in learning the harmonica. I have also heard Tommy Reilly and believe him to be an inspiration for all potential harmonicists.
If I need any more information, I will be sure to look your way. Thanks again for your valuable input and timely response to my inquiry.
Have a safe and very Happy New Year!
Tom
Tom....Check out Dennis Greunling; He lives in New Jersey.. I don't know if he plays Classical but he plays the Chromatic very well; and, he may have sources for you to follow up on. I know he also gives lessons...Hope that helps you some...Tommy Hutch
Dennis is one of the very best there is for blues harmonica, both diatonic and chromatic. He's also an excellent teacher. However, he has no expertise that I know of in the area of classical music.
Bonfiglio is in NYC and is one of the wrold's top classical harmonica players. If classical is your focus, he's your guy.
Tom:
Where are you located?
The best authority on the specifics of interpreting classical music on chromatic harmonica is Robert Bonfiglio. He'll be doing a one-day workshop in San Diego in February in collaboration with Rob Paparozzi, whom you can contact at Chromboy@earthlink.net.
You might also check out Douglas Tate's book Play the Harmonica Well (Centerstream Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1574240610. Don't be put off by the dumb cover graphics. Douglas was an excellent classical musician who studied deeply and had close associations with both Tommy Reilly and Larry Adler and was a highly original artist as well as instrument builder. You can find some video of one of his television appearances on YouTube.
Breath control on the harmonica shares fundamentals with singing but differs in some important respects.
The inhaled breath is used for tone production, and the breath is focused on activating and influencing the behavior of the reeds which lie outside your vocal tract. Also, the nasal passages are closed in playing the harmonica.
The hands play an important role in tone production on the harmonica, especially in classical music.
if you're located in the San Francisco Bay area, I'm available for lessons and consultations. You can email me directly at winslowyerxa@yahoo.com.