I'm thinking of doing it but I have to set up a paypal account. Skype works well on my I Mac sound and visual. I can also send pdf files for exercises. I'll let everyone know when it's set up. I'll have to set up a web site I think so you can get to paypal. I'm not familiar with this set up so it will take a little time to do it. ---------- Emile "Diggs" D'Amico a Legend In His Own Mind How you doin'
and there are around 30 more videos on youtube. The youtube videos are specifically about theory, but I teach technique and jamming as well. On my website, Michaelrubinharmonica.com, is more information and testimonials. I can get you lots of references of skype students. Please feel free to contact me at michaelrubinharmonica@gmail.com or call at 512 619 0761.
528Hemi, I took some lessons via Skype with Buddha (Chris) and it does work good!! I have the same problem in my area, no teachers?
I did find one once and took a private lesson, I paid him for the lesson I took and a couple of more. I never heard from him again? So he still owes me three lessons. I call him once and while just to see if he will get back to me....he doesnt?
I am one of those people that can learn fast if I can see it and hear it, other than that it takes me a lot longer to learn.
I too am looking for a teacher, although I do not use paypal I would need some other form of payment. (paypal, ebay do not support my Second Amendment Rights and I will not help those companies in any shape or form.
Christelle, (spelling?) that lady plays a good harp and I believe she is from Europe, offers her teaching thru Skype as well.
Hopefully soem other folks will chime in!! Thanks for the info. Michael Rubin, I will check out your site!!
I don't give lessons, but I like sharing knowledge/tips.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, you can add me on Skype -- my handle is dan.ridgeway . I'm not on all the time, but if we cross online paths then maybe I could be of some help.
Done it a couple of times - 2 different instructors and it worked great with both of them. I would guess that transmission speed for upload and download would have an effect. I'm on high speed cable so no problem that way.
I'm taking lessons from Michael Rubin on skype. I'm really into it. The glitchy world of skype is a downside. But I don't have drive to Austin every week, which is a time saver.
I take lessons from Ben Bouman. I have only so far had 2 lessons and plan on additional lessons every 6 weeks or so. At present our A$ is super strong so lessons purchased in US$ are favourable. I rate these lessons as extremely valuable as where I live it's impossible to obtain one on one instruction from a master (none exist).
My harp journey started a long time ago but was fired up after retirement when I really got into it 4 years ago. I first enrolled with Dave Gage, then discovered MBH and purchased Adams lessons and have these past couple of years been at The Harmonica Academy which offers multiple streams of instruction (Blues, Celtic Fiddle Tunes & Tremolo) but not one on one instruction.
Whilst the self learning approach is very good, its often in the basics that we fail. I see my instruction from Ben as being 'coached'. Even the very best of musicians, singers, sports people need coaching. Whilst I don't hold myself in that league it's his coaching that I have benefited from. Relatively simple things like correct breathing techniques. It's in the basics that we have to be strong as essentially everything else can be easily learnt.
Since my coaching from Ben my fellow students at the Academy have commented re some of my MP3 posts that they have noticed my playing has moved to another level. I feel this.I would recommend Skype instruction from Ben Bouman.
The only thing is I have to agree with clamsharper re the glitchy world of skype being the only downside. Another downside for me is the huge time difference Holland /Australia ie 9 hours.
I have taken and do take harmonica lessons over Skype. It's great & I would recommend giving it a chance & doing research on who is available. You get connection and tuition with people who normally you never could. I think it's as quality as in person with the right teacher (for you), plus you save money on gas, & your choices for instructor blow wide open. Not everybody learns or teaches the same way so having many options rocks. Many teachers offer a free or discounted first lesson/get to know you session.
I'm running wireless DSL & have a built in webcam which is by no means great but works for Skype.
On a side note, do what you want but some teachers require 6 month (or so) tuition up front from lesson 1 or 2. Don't do this regardless of reputation, take multiple pay as you go lessons until you find out that individual's business ethics.
@Diggs--you don't need a website--just go sign up for Paypal--it takes a little while to do because they have to verify some stuff with you--then anybody can go onto Paypal and just post funds to your Paypal email address. You get an automatic email that says you have money instantly--couldn't be easier--even I have done it a few times.
It's also easy to transfer funds from Paypal out to your real world account where it is easier to spend. I know some things cost some money--but I don't think Paypal has ever charged me anything for just receiving money and paying for stuff. It might be different if yu are running a business regularly or something. . .
---------- ==================================== Always be yourself--unless you suck. . . -Joss Whedon
Hi 528hemi, I'm having lessons using Skype (oovoo actually). I'm in Sydney, Australia and my teacher Dennis Gruenling is in New York. I have absolutely no problems with the medium at all. It is just like sitting in front of the teacher. I would recommend it to anyone. My 6th lesson coming up this Saturday morning and perfectly happy. You can even record your lesson. Rob ps My cable broadband connection would also assist with the clarity of the audio and video connection.
Man, I took "Skype" lessons with the OUTSTANDING Jimi Lee out of Austin for a little over a year. In my opinion, it is well worth it. If you have good Hi Speed Internet, it's just like being there.
I have not taken lessons from anyone else so I can't swear to it, But if Jimi ain't the best teacher out there, he's in the top 2 or 3.
If you go with Skye lessons please check out the people. Try to find samples of their playing. I checked out a bunch. Some were good and some IMHO needed lessons themselves. ---------- Emile "Diggs" D'Amico a Legend In His Own Mind How you doin'
Grant Dermody and Dennis Gruenling. Both are master players and excellent, experienced teachers.
If folk / country / old time / blues / acoustic is your thing, go with Grant.
If chicago / jump / swing / jazzy / blues / amped is what you're looking for, go with Dennis.
Both teach over Skype, both will give you a wonderful grounding in the fundamentals of playing and you can find contact details for both in the teachers section of this website.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I actually found 2 teachers in NYC where I can probably work private 1 on 1 lessons with them instead of sykpe for the short term. I am going to try and Work them in during a long Lunch break. :)
I took 1 lesson from a guy names Miguel Weismann and going to also check out Randy Weinstein next week.
Miguel has a passion for teaching which was very clear during the first meeting and gave me his own book with example mp3s covering the materials. He covered alot of the basics that I skimmed over the last 2 years which are very important. That being breathing and timing and also some scales and some theory. He went over exercises to strenghten your diapham as well.
The thing is I am aware of all these things needed buy having a teacher monitoring and setting me on a path is what I need to stay on track.
Eharp is spot on there are alot of great pro harp players out there that have alot of knowledge and are super great guys but are crappy teachers and some are too busy touring to really take a true interest in their students. I took 3 lessons one on one with one of the best players out there but did not feel the passion. When you find the right one you will know it. Adam is a great example of a great teacher and his videos alone are far better then you will learn from many so called teachers out there.
I am also a member of David Barretts online site and it is really great and taught me to tongue block and get a real nice tone but like others say, there is no substitution for a good teacher. They will see your weaknessness and hopefully get you to the next level.
