'A great course. The teacher was very passionate about it, and I think all the students thoroughly enjoyed it. I did!'
– R. Moore

'Great teacher – enthusiastic, good-humoured and very helpful.'
– R. McDonnell

Harmonicas have come a long way from their humble beginnings as piano tuning devices in the workshop of their inventor, Christian Freidrich Ludwig Buschmann. Today there are as many different types, from bass and chord to chromatic and diatonic ('blues harp'), as there are styles of playing.

Designed for absolute beginners, this 10-week course explores the basics of diatonic harmonica playing in various styles, from folk-rock to blues. You will also be introduced to the different types of harmonica and the music associated with them. By the end of the course you should have a solid grasp of basic harmonica technique, including chugging patterns, playing single-note melodies, blues techniques and how to play along with other musicians. Time permitting, the mechanics of the instrument including repair and tuning will also be explored.

Participating students will need to have diatonic harmonicas in the keys of C, D and G (Suzuki Bluesmaster, Lee Oskar, Hohner Special 20 and Hohner Marine Band are the teacher's recommended brands), as well as First Lessons Blues Harmonica by David Barrett, before the start of the course. Both text and harmonicas are available from Waltons music shops.

Introducing Harmonica is one of our group courses for beginners. Private, partner, group and intensive harmonica lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Traditional Instruments or Departments & Faculty - Wind Instruments for more information.

2011-2012 Third Term Schedule & Fee

10 weeks, April 18 – June 20, 2012
Wednesdays 7.30 – 8.30 pm

Tuition Fee: €170

Michael McInerney, Teacher

Michael has mastered both diatonic and chromatic harmonicas and explored and taught a wide variety of styles – blues, jazz, country, rock, traditional Irish and American, and even some classical – in over fifteen years of playing the instrument. His blues harp playing is strongly influenced by Sonny Terry and the more urban blues styles, while he has modelled his jazz playing on Toots Thieleman and Stevie Wonder. Michael has participated in workshops with Don Baker, Brendan Power and Johnny Mars and has also experimented with the advanced technique of ‘overblowing’ on the blues harp and the use of alternative tunings.

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2011-2012 General Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited to eight.

Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

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