With a desperately needed computer upgrade I am now able to offer lessons by Skype. For those unacquainted with me... My band, Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts are one of the premier Blues bands in New England. I am a three time IBC participant, and a Hohner Endorser. Most recently I have been featured in the last two Dennis Gruenling harmonica shows and currently at work on my third CD. I have been teaching harmonica off and on for about 15 years. My specialties are Blues diatonic and chromatic, particularly in the West Coast style.
Here's a close approximation of my teaching style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2grIYzis_c
Here's me and the fellas in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A03nBrZZPW8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-dI8NwNZpM&feature=related
Ryan, Never heard of you here in the uk but good stuff!!
Your youtube video of amplified hand techniques had me chuckling in amusement, but also very informative and interesting, and that Rod Piazza vibrato sound..wow
As mentioned, Ryan is a school teacher by day. That coupled w/ his great harp skills, he can communicate and demonstrate the principals of great harp playing. One of our top New England players.
I'm always hesitant to mention that I am a teacher when I discuss teaching harmonica. Just because I am a good social studies teacher doesn't mean I would be a good English teacher.
And at the same time just because someone is good at something doesn't mean they can teach it. I think Ted Williams used to say that he would be a horrible batting coach. When people asked "How do you hit like that?" he replied "I don't know. I just do."
"Just because I'm a good social studies teacher doesn't mean I would be a good English teacher"
Yeah but you know an awful lot about blues and blues harmonica, with a lot of real-time experience. It's not a leap of the imagination to think that if you can teach at all, you'd only be more successful teaching a subject you're passionate about.
Just showing your performance resume speaks to your own point. OK, there's one youtube vid. (I've already stated many times that I think it's a very good tutorial and I was always surprised you didn't make more). Otherwise, you tell us about your impressive credits, but "we" may not be sure you can teach harp.
If I was a player considering lessons, I would think that your professional teaching credentials might increase the ODDS that you could teach harp. I'd think, "he probably has to come up with multiple ways of explaining a concept to kids" or "he probably has to go in with a plan, so he'll likely teach harp with a plan" You know, stuff like that.
I guess I'm arguing that I can't see how that particular credential doesn't apply positively. Consider this: if you insist on arguing this point, I'd be inclined to conclude that you're really not a good harp teacher. (ha)
To your second point, I offer the Rod Piazza "Blues Harp Experience" DVD as corroborating evidence.
