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I am a self taught "ear" player. The
term "self taught" is a little misleading though because the fact is everything musical that crosses ones
path in some way teaches us something. Many recordings and interactive situations with other harmonica players over the
years have shaped the way I play and the level of knowledge tucked deep into the craters of my brain! I teach the harp with
no specific game plan in mind. I like to let the student set the agenda. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy
the process! I try my best to take you where you want to go. The main issues for beginners will be learning how to "work"
the harp. How to grip the harp. The different ways of getting single notes. How to manipulate the notes to get the sounds
that you want to hear. I play from a very improvisational perspective. I try my best to share that same perspective. This
way as you progress you can adapt the things you learn to any style of music that interests you. Typically the blues is the
starting point but soon students realize that there are a world of musical possibilities after getting a grasp of the basics.
I do not read music and I teach based upon my "ear" method of playing. If you have an interest in learning
from a more traditional base I can get you started on techniques and then point you in the right direction to get what
you need. I am very well connected to the harmonica community and will be happy to help you find a teacher that will
get you where you want to go. Intermediate players will want to use me more as a human tape recorder. My head is full of licks,
runs and ideas that just come out of me! With the students input I can pull out the things they are interested in and we can
slice, dice and disect. Many times a lesson will turn into "call and response" session. I play something then the
student tries to copy it. Back and forth we go until the light bulbs ignite! Players looking to go from intermediate to a more
advanced level may be able to get some things out of me that will help but I prefer to turn you on to a more advanced teacher.
I am lucky to know some of the best players and teachers in the world. It will be my pleasure to hook you up with the level
of instructor that you need.
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