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Level 1 - Levels of Achievement

This lesson track is for new harmonica players, those that are studying blues harmonica in a formal way for the first time, or for those who want to reach for excellence and complete all of the Levels of Achievement (LOA). You may already have developed some skills on the harmonica, but the material found here will ensure a strong foundation for your studies at BluesHarmonica.com.

Within this level of study you'll learn: holding the harmonica; proper embouchure; creating good tone; single-note and texture playing; chording/chugging; the C Major scale; the basics of music theory; and how to practice efficiently. Watch the video at left for more details. When you've completed the material below, submit it to me (David Barrett) for review and LOA recognition. After submitting your material, a confirmation page will provide you with a link to pay the $35 testing fee.

  1. Step 1

  2. Step 2

    • "Walk with Me" Tongue Block Study 1

      This is your first study song, used to develop your tongue blocking, movement, technique and rhythm.

    • Solo Harmonica Study 1

      This is where you develop the skill to play self-accompanied. You can go as deep into this study as you wish, though right now let's focus on examples 1.1 through 1.7. Make sure to spend time on the "Working with a Metronome" part of the lesson.

    • Movement Exercises Study 1 – Patterns

      Just focus on the all-important C Major Scale right now, from holes 4+ to 10+ on the harmonica.

    • Music Theory Study 1

      As you develop your skills to move around the harmonica, let’s also develop your musicianship. Focus on Section 1 for right now.

Once you’ve completed this material it’s now time record and submit the written section to David for review.

Take Level 1 Test

Additional Helpful Material

  • As you're working through your lessons watch Beginning Students Hob Bosold and Sharon Barrett work on this same material with me on camera. You'll find their trials and tribulations, as well as their questions and my answers, to be very helpful in your journey.

  • Visit the Software section of Equipment Lessons to learn about the recording and submission process. There are also lessons on how to use software such as the Amazing Slow Downer that help you in your studies by enabling you to slow down and loop sections of a song you're working on.

  • When you have some free time join me for a Tour of the German Harmonica Museum in Trossingen, Germany… home of Hohner Harmonicas. Here you'll learn about the history of the harmonica and a little bit about the manufacturing process.

Quick Reference Guide

Though there's detailed information on the LOA program in this and the following pages, here's a Quick Reference Guide of all the LOA Level material requirements for your convenience.