Private Lessons
For harmonica lessons in Manhattan, Brookyn and Queens:
I am one of the only harmonica players with a degree in harmonica from an accredited 4 year university. I have 20 years of experience as a teacher, and I teach both children and adults of all ages and experience levels.
Private lessons are 50 minutes long and tailored to each student's individual needs. Lessons include instructional materials and play along mp3s. Lessons are held at my studio in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn studio or via webcam (near the Church Ave B train or the Beverly Rd Q train); or I can travel to your home or office in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens.
A 10 hole C major diatonic harmonica or 16 hole C chromatic harmonica is required. You can find them at most music stores or online.
Webcam Lessons
Webcam lessons are available using Skype or FaceTime. It works the same as in person lessons except that there is a very slight delay. So instead of playing together I will demonstrate by playing for you examples that are notated in a pdf and on your end you will play along with prerecorded mp3s of me playing playing harmonica and guitar as accompanyment. I will then offer instructions and suggestions of how you can improve.
Lesson Cost
The cost is $70 for a 50 minute private lesson in my Ditmas Park, Brooklyn studio or via webcam (near the Church Q and B trains), or $120 for a 50 minute lesson if I travel to you. At the moment I am only taking weekly students. Lesson payments and scheduling is done at the beginning of the month.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will be charged full lesson price. Frequent cancellations and rescheduling may result in loss of weekly time slot.
Once a lesson is cancelled it must be paid for by Paypal, Venmo or by a mailed check before another lesson can be scheduled. If a lesson is cancelled with more than 48 hours there will be no charge. No more than one every two months or 6 per year.
To begin your lessons contact me to confirm your weekly time slot. Then Pay for your first month.
Please confirm that you have read and understand my payment, scheduling and cancellation policy. Lessons cannot begin until your lessons are paid for and you have confirmed that you understand and agree to my policies.
Sample 12 Week Syllabus for Beginner Diatonic Harmonica
Sample 12 Week Syllabus for Beginner Diatonic Harmonica
week 1
Holding the Harmonica
Single Notes and Embouchure
Tone Production and Breathing
week 2
Song: Hoochie Coochie Man
Intro to Bending
Focus - 3 draw half step bend
Song: Mannish Boy
week 3
Basic Blues Improv
Song: Can't Be Satisfied
Scale degrees
Roots for I, IV, V Chords
week 4
Slides
Focus - 4 draw bend
Song: I Need My Baby
Quick IV Change
week 5
Focus - 2 draw whole step bend
Song: Low Rider
Trills
Throat Vibrato
week 6
Blues Scale
Song: Baby Please Don't Go
Leggato Vs. Sattacato
Roots in 2nd Octave
week 7
Slurring
Blues Scale extended
Different Song Forms
Song: Corinna, Corinna
week 8
Tongue Blocking
Octaves
Song: Rainin' In My Heart
Upper Register
week 9
Tongue Blocking
Octaves
Song: Rainin' In My Heart
Upper Register
week 10
Focus - changing from 3 Draw whole step to half bend
Chords
Song: Off The Wall
Country Scale Extended
week 11
Blow Bends
Song: Caldonia
Minor Blues
Keying Songs
week 12
Pattern Based Playing
Arpeggios Scale Patterns
3 Octave Major Scales
3rd Position