DukeBerryman
3 posts
Sep 04, 2012
6:15 PM
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Anybody taking harmonica classes? I've had some one-on-one lessons with an instructor, and I attend group classes that are a lot of fun (and helpful).
At the blues jams, this is my secret weapon - I'm the only one studying!
Anybody else have experience with an instructor? Was it helpful? What about harmonica conferences - are they productive for learning?
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eharp
1962 posts
Sep 04, 2012
6:42 PM
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whether it is adam's youtubes or lessons, online classes from ronnie shellist, david barrett or jp allen, one-on-one lessons thru a music store or skype, or seminars at SPAH or other harmonica gatherings- you get what you put into it.
nothing is going to beat working with an instructor.
but the seminars can motivate you and get you going down a certain path.
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FMWoodeye
457 posts
Sep 04, 2012
9:25 PM
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Once again (and again, and again) there is NO substitute for one-on-one instruction wherein a professional can evaluate your playing and give you concrete goals to work on.
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DukeBerryman
4 posts
Sep 04, 2012
10:40 PM
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I've never done a lesson over Skype - may have to try it. Seems like the classes at SPAH would be well worth it - looks like a fun event.
I'm lucky in that I have access to a great instructor in my area - I agree, nothing beats it for learning and getting evaluated.
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DukeBerryman
7 posts
Sep 05, 2012
12:32 AM
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Pic from my group class:
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DukeBerryman
8 posts
Sep 05, 2012
2:52 PM
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Ha! Not me, I'm in the red sweatshirt. But that guy is great. He brings a bass ukulele to class, plugs-in to an amp, and provides great bass lines for us to play along to. Good harp player, too.
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eharp
1965 posts
Sep 05, 2012
3:18 PM
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very cool.
where are you at?
why not tell us a little about the instructor and the lessons?
i'm interested.
btw- my cabin mate at this year's bean blossom blues fest brought his newly purchased uke bass and a roland bass cube. he didnt want to fly with his regular bass.
it did a great job holding down the rhythm at the jams.
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DukeBerryman
10 posts
Sep 05, 2012
8:31 PM
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I'm in Los Angeles, the group classes are offered at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, instructor is Dave Gage. I wasn't sure what a group harmonica class would be like, but Dave is a veteran teacher, and knows how to run a group class. For example, Dave will play a tune on the guitar, and one by one, each student contributes to the harmonica playing. Just like a real harmonica break, the first student starts the break, a few students later we hit the high point, and the last few students bring it on home.
Positive atmosphere, too, and different levels of playing ability make it interesting. I think it's $100 for a month of classes, one night a week.
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BlueDoc
67 posts
Sep 05, 2012
10:42 PM
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Duke,
I took that class at McCabe's several years ago. It was fun. Dave is a good guy.
Last Edited by on Sep 05, 2012 10:49 PM
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