Playing the harmonica can bring joy to you, to other musicians with whom you play, and to those who enjoy listening to music. In class, we’ll listen to recordings to become familiar with the typical chord progressions one hears when listening to the blues. Then we’ll improvise harmonica “riffs” (strings of notes that sound good) that complement them. We will let our ears guide us, playing the notes that our hearts and gut-sense tell us will sound right. We will not be reading music or expecting to ever play a given song in exactly the same way twice. As with any skill, it takes practice to be a good harmonica player, so you will be expected to practice on your own between classes. The instructor will direct you to recordings and online resources that provide background music with which to practice. (Having access to a CD player, the internet, and a computer with speakers will be essential.)
NOTE: A $15 fee is due at the first class meeting for materials. The instructor will provide each student with two “Blues Band” harmonicas in different keys, printed materials, and audio recordings. Each class session builds on the one before, so it is important that students attend all sessions. Students that know in advance that they will miss a class are asked to take the class during another term.