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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Where are the women Harmonica players?

2 replies [Last post]
Fri, 03/16/2018 - 19:32
teresa
teresa's picture
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Level 4
Joined: 01/28/2017

Hi David,

Thanks for introducing Sharon to the harmonica and to the website.  It's great to see another woman on Blues Harmonica.  I'm a woman who started harmonica about 15 months ago and am thoroughly enjoying it.  But I am surprised to see so few women players featured in your interviews.  Why aren't more women playing this great little instrument?

 

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Fri, 03/16/2018 - 20:29
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Hello teresa, I'm glad you're

Hello teresa, I'm glad you're enjoying Sharon's lessons. You're correct, blues harmonica tends to be a male-dominated sport (commonly 20 male students to each 1 female student). Not sure why there is not more, but let's hope we get more ladies of the blues in our harmonica world.

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Mon, 03/19/2018 - 19:05
#2
Expert Winslow Yerxa
Expert Winslow Yerxa's picture
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Expert
Joined: 01/16/2010
Some women pro players

Here are some women blues harmonica players active from roughly 1950 to the present:

Annie Raines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux-lQaoZewk

Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5alA8gpxQmE

Cheryl Arena https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13wn3zgajt8

Paula Rangell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLsYwJew8Tg

Catriona Sturton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEkpQqI3fCw

Rachelle Plas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDhoEISo5_c

Indiara Sfair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIss2Qmmc5k

Christelle Berthon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Ti-eFROZs

Grace Brim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQMDI8ixZDg

Vikki Thorn of the Waifs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuGk16mLTW4

 

 

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