Beginner Harmonica Lessons
First Harmonica Lesson:
How to Prepare, What to Expect
A dedicated teacher will take the time to write a detailed e-mail about their teaching method. They will be patient and spend as much time with you as you need when you talk to them on the phone. Take your time and write out all the questions you might have about the harmonica. You may also want to list your musical goals, prior musical experience and the different styles of music that you like listening
Buying a Harmonica
Harmonica Equipment
A 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of "C” is needed.
A second harmonica in the key of "A" is recommended but not absolutely necessary. It’s a little bit easier to learn different techniques with 2 different keyed instruments. A few models that are recommend include:
-Hohner Special 20 Model Number 560/20
-Hohner Big River Model Number 590/20
-Lee Oscar Model Number 1910M
These harmonicas are available at most music stores. Sam Ash seems to always have these in stock.
Tip- A highly recommended on-line supplier is: www.Coast2CoastMusic.com
Typical First Harmonica Lesson
Topics studied include:
Holding the harmonica, playing single notes and chords, playing exercises, and developing a practice routine will be topics that will be learn at your first few lessons.
You will start out playing simple exercises, scales, chords, and songs. Each exercise and song in most books are written in standard music notation and have a tablature below. A tablature is a simplified method of reading notes. For example, if you saw the number 4 with a circle around it, it means breathe in (draw) on the # 4 hole. If you see the number 4 with no circle around it, it means blow on the # 4 hole.
Here are the notes of the C major scale:
Tip- Why not get a head start on your first lesson, and learn to play the C major scale?
C, D, E, F,G,A,B,C (Do, Re, Mi,, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do)
Hold your harmonica with the numbers on the cover plate facing up. (1-10, left to right)
Blow on hole # 4 (C note)
Draw (suck in) on hole # 4 (D note)
Blow on hole # 5 (E note)
Draw on hole # 5 (F note)
Blow on hole # 6 (G note)
Draw on hole # 6 (A note)
Draw on hole # 7 (B note)
Blow on hole # 7 (C note)
Cost of Harmonica Lessons
The group classes range from 1 to 2 ½ hours long. A group lessons will have 8 – 10 students. You might be able to find an on-going group class at a local college.
Private lessons may be taught at a studio or at your home.
Tip- Many instructors will travel to your home however they will charge an additoinal fee for travel expense.
Lessons range from $30 to $75 an hour for a private lesson.
Tip- Some teachers offer discounts if you pay for several lessons upfront. Many teachers have minimum lesson requirements. They may want you to take one lesson a week, two lessons a month, etc.
Written by Brian McInnis
Brian is a musician dedicated to teaching, playing and writing about the harmonica. He has been teaching lessons in NYC since 1999 and has taught hundreds of people to play the harmonica.
Brian teaches diatonic and chromatic harmonica, having been influenced by many different styles of music including; Blues, Folk, Rock, Irish and Classical. He offers lessons to students of all ages and skill levels.
The heart of his diatonic teaching method is an instructional book he wrote, entitled; Harmonica: Intro and Beyond. All the songs and exercises in the book are played on the accompanying CD. This method is a culmination of over 16 years of experience playing diatonic harmonica.Brian offers group classes and private lessons.
Website: www.HarmonicaLessonsNYC.com
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