What's New!

In Hob's latest lesson he plays the entire tongue block study song Temperature (focus on slaps) for me and I critique. I teach hob the bending technique of the dip and how to breathe through his nose as a pressure relief valve while playing the harmonica (as well as learning how to close the nose on inhale notes so that he doesn't fill up with air). He learns what the note layout is on the major diatonic harmonica and why the notes were ordered in the way they are. Finally we talk about the difference between 1st and 2nd Positions and we play common accompaniment lines in the 12 Bar Blues. continue reading...

Join Ross Garren as he wraps up our series of lessons on overbending with a final study song titled “The Stretch.” In this song you’ll use all of the techniques he's taught you http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/bending_study_15_overbend_study_8_...

Three classes have just been opened to the public (my private students get first dibs). Info below...

5/15 - Rhythm Training & Dynamics (Class Size: 10 / Seats Left: 4 / Rate: $145) continue reading...

In this submission Gary I talk about: Dealing with Stuck Reeds, Early Recordings and Amplified Sound, Part 1, Early Recordings and Amplified Sound, Part 2, Shake and Articulation, Musselwhite Tip and Cheap Licks, More Cool Sounds and Closing Slow Blues Jam

Kaleena Hutchins has reached out to me in regards to the deadline for the SPAH Youth Scholarship application, which is May 1st. She's on the Youth Grant Committee, helping to choose the recipients, and so far they have only received a few applications. She's wondering if there might be any BluesHarmonica.com students who are 21 years old or younger who might be interested. The scholarship includes the hotel room from Tuesday, 8/9 through Saturday, 8/13 as well as the registration fees. If you fit this criteria and are interested, you may apply at http://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=100

You might already be familiar with Akarsha (Aki) Kumar from the recent CD "It Takes Three" with Aki, Gary Smith and myself (David Barrett), or the Contributor Videos Aki submitted in the early days of BluesHarmonica.com (2009). Aki was one of my students, and I'm proud to say one of my most dedicated and now accomplished students. He's been a professional player in the California Bay Area now for ten years, currently runs two of the most successful jam sessions in the area and has been featured on numerous CD's for the prestigious Greaseland Studios label. continue reading...

Join Ross Garren for his latest lesson on overbending where he covers overdraws.

In this submission Gary has us "Thinking on our Feet," taking what the other player gives us when trading solos. We trade 12's, 4's, 2's, 1's and even... to our great surprise... 2 beats!

Registration is now open for the 2016 Harmonica Masters Workshops in Trossingen, Germany.

http://www.harmonica-masters.de/en/

Instructors this year are Steve Baker, Joe Filisko, Marko Jovanovic, Antonio Serrano, Riedel Diegel and myself.

My classes will be as follows...

Wednesday (1/2 Day) - Dynamics continue reading...

In Ryan Walker’s latest lesson at BluesHarmonica.com we work on his half step bending control (Bending Study 5) and charting a John Garcia 8 bar blues song (Accompaniment Study 9, Duo Playing).