What's New!

Student John Rafferty has added to this lesson by sharing his experiences at jam sessions. You'll find his videos at the end of the lesson, in Section 4 http://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/performance_training_study_4_jam_s...

Mark Ford had a strong impact on the Bay Area blues harmonica scene in the early 1970’s, starting with the release of the Charles Ford Blues Band on Arhoolie in 1972, which is now considered a modern blues classic (Robin Ford on guitar, Patrick Ford on drums and Stan Poplin on the bass). His powerful amplified tone and mastery of the entire range of the harmonica (he’s known for his killer licks above Hole 6 in 2nd Position) has caused him to influence many generations of blues harmonica players around the world. continue reading...

Just a quick note to everyone that I'm in the process of upgrading the video cameras I use. You'll notice the new camera in the David's Corner video. Also in the new Ryan Walker video. In that video I was experimenting with sound options... not perfect... and dialed it in even further for my interview with Mark Ford yesterday with a two-camera shoot and the sound is fantastic now. Now that my work flow is dialed in, the third camera and a new computer to deal with the much larger files sizes are on their way. continue reading...

Join me for Intermediate Student Ryan Walker's latest lesson where we cover Accompaniment Playing Study 4 (Vocal Fills), Improvising Study 4 (V-IV-I Transition Licks), Solo Harmonica Study 3 (Bass Lines with Pulls) and Music Theory Study 3 (7th Chords).

Lesson 25 - Intro & Chord Note Cards
Lesson 25 - Accompaniment Study 4: Intro
Lesson 25 - Accompaniment Study 4: Beginning to Ex. 2.3
Lesson 25 - Accompaniment Study 4: Ex. 2.4 to End
Lesson 25 - Solo Harmonica Study 3: Ex. 2.1
Lesson 25 - Improvising Study 4: Section 4, Ex. 26-34
Lesson 25 - Theory Study 3: Ex. 2.4 continue reading...

Freeman Stowers Train Imitation Lesson with Joe Filisko is now up under the "Train Imitation Study 2 - Artist Studies"

In this Performance Training lesson I'll help prepare you for success at a Jam Session. Jam sessions can be very challenging, but they provide a valuable opportunity to gain stage experience, meet like-minded musicians and try new material. No harmonicas are needed for this lesson, but download the PDF to reference as we go through the points in this lesson. This lesson is for all skill level players, but is generally focused on intermediate players. continue reading...

Every now and again a student comes along that's talented, hard working and stays with it long enough to become not only a fine player, but an inspiring musician. Ross Garren came to me at age 14 and did so well that I eventually brought him in on my teaching staff of the Harmonica Masterclass Workshop at age 17. He's currently residing in Los Angeles, playing piano, harmonica and composing. He received his B.M. from USC where he was named Outstanding Graduate in Composition. continue reading...

Chromatic King - Original Blues Chromatic Instrumental Songwriting Contest by BluesHarmonica.com and Hohner Harmonicas continue reading...

I'm looking forward to working with all of you in Trossingen this year. This is Gary Smith's "Rocket Ride" we're playing in the video. Registration is now open... classes fill quickly, so get your class choices in early.

YouTube Video with All Instructors
http://youtu.be/5cz2swIdbVw

El Watson Train Imitation Lesson with Joe Filisko is now up under the "Train Imitation Study 2 - Artist Studies"