Introducing Harmonica
A Group Course for Beginners
‘A great course. The teacher was very passionate about it, and I think all the students thoroughly enjoyed it. I did!’
– R. Moore
‘This is a well-designed course where progress is nearly guaranteed (as long as you practice enough). Michael McInerney knows what he is talking about, and he definitely has the skills to bring you to the next level.’
– J. Steegmueller
Course Description
Harmonicas have come a long way from their humble beginnings as piano tuning devices in the workshop of their inventor, Christian Freidrich Ludwig Buschmann (1805-1864). 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 and taught by one of Ireland’s most renowned harmonica players and teachers, Waltons New School of Music’s Introducing Harmonica 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.
Questions about the course?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
Course Requirements
Course participants will need to have good quality diatonic harmonicas in the key of C, and ideally in the keys of D and G as well, and First Lessons Blues Harmonica by David Barrett (Mel Bay), before the course begins. (See Recommended Instruments tab for a list of instruments recommended for this course.)
Participants will also need:
- Both an internet-connected device to play music and backing tracks (i.e. a mobile phone or tablet) and a separate internet-connected device (i.e. a tablet, laptop or computer) to access the course. (A laptop or computer with webcam and microphone is recommended for accessing the course, as it will have the largest picture.)
- Either WhatsApp or Viber on your phone or tablet to receive course materials, music and backing tracks.
- Ideally, internet speed at least 1.5Mb per second. (You can test your speed using Measurement Lab’s Speed Test.)
- Headphones or earbuds, if possible.¹
- Free Zoom software or app.²
- Waltons Music has Zoom headphones and microphones that are ideal for online music tuition and are available at 5% discounts for students enrolled in the course. If you would like to obtain a discount, please contact Waltons with your instrument choice and include a scan or photo of your course payment receipt.
- If you haven’t learned music with Zoom before, please see our printable Zoom for Students information sheet for information on how to download and set up Zoom for music tuition.
Before the course begins, the teacher will email you a Zoom meeting invitation that includes a meeting ID and password to join the first class.
This course covers Stage 1 of the New School’s ten-stage system of student progress and assessment, which culminates in a teaching or performing qualification (Stage 10) should the student progress that far. Participants who successfully complete the course can be issued with a certificate of completion of Stage 1. If you are taking the course, please let the school office know if you would like this certificate. See About Our Stage System for more information.
Have you enrolled in this course?
Download our Introductory Handout for tips on how to get the most from it.
Introducing Harmonica is one of the New School’s group courses. We also offer private harmonica lessons in a range of genres for students of all ages and skill levels. See Traditional • Folk • World Instruments Tuition for more information.
Techniques Covered
A video demonstration of some techniques covered in the course:
Michael McInerney
Michael began playing the harmonica in his late teens, and he is currently one of Ireland’s most accomplished harmonica players and teachers. While primarily a blues and jazz player, he is as adept with classical repertoire as he is with Irish traditional music, folk and rock/pop. Also an excellent guitar player and teacher, he started learning guitar initially as a way of trying to make sense of the musical jargon that confounded him as he tried to teach himself the harmonica, and he has since explored blues, jazz, flamenco, slide guitar, Irish traditional, some classical and a little ragtime – though his main interests remain blues, slide and fingerstyle guitar. In addition to teaching with the New School since 1995, Michael also teaches in his own studio, Irish traditional harmonica at Ceoltóirí Chluain Tarbh, and at Visionaries School of the Arts, a school for the blind and visually impaired. And he has facilitated workshops introducing the harmonica to children in The Ark and lectured on blues history and appreciation at UCD. Michael has composed and performed a range of music for a number of theatre productions, and as a session musician he has recorded for both film and television. He has also performed with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and collaborated with such renowned harmonica players as Don Baker, Richard Hunter, Brendan Power and Mick Kinsella, to name a few. Michael holds an LGSM (P), DipJazz from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (he is the first person in Ireland to be awarded a third-level qualification in harmonica), a BA in English and Philosophy from NUI Maynooth, and a Diploma in Drama Studies and an MA in Modern Drama from University College Dublin.
Reviews • Testimonials
‘I absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious!’
– A. Clements
‘Michael has an encyclopaedic knowledge of harmonica and the blues. He gives great encouragement to his students whilst showing great patience.’
– K. Kerr
‘Michael made learning fun and very accessible (i.e. you don’t have to be ‘gifted’ to learn to play). He explains techniques well and is very positive.
– S. Mahon
‘Great teacher – enthusiastic, good-humoured and very helpful.’
– R. McDonnell
‘Michael McInerney, the course teacher, was very enthusiastic and passionate about the harmonica and teaching others. What I liked most was the detailed explanations given by the teacher and the music he assigned us to practice.’
– S. McEvoy
‘Michael’s style of teaching is very informative as he provided a history of different musical styles, which helped [us understand] what is possible on the instrument. It was a great introduction to the harmonica for someone who is picking it up as a hobby while also providing enough content for someone starting with the instrument seriously.’
– D. Morrin
‘Michael McInerney has the blues running through his veins. I didn’t really expect much from this course, but it’s so good I keep signing up for more terms of harmonica playing. Great fun too!’
– D. Salter
‘Michael is a really enthusiastic and capable teacher. I enjoyed both his humour and his teaching methods. He’s very patient and encouraging.’
– L. Skelton
Have you taken – or are you taking – this course? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about it.
2023-2024 Third Term
Course Schedule & Fee
Not offered in our Third Term.
Please contact us (providing your name) if you would like to be notified when our next course schedule and fee are confirmed and we start accepting enrolments.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed Enrolment Form and full payment of the tuition fee. Places are limited to eight and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Many of our group courses fill in advance of their start dates, and early enrolment is recommended.
Purchasing this course as a gift?
Please complete a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
Questions about the course?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
Recommended Instruments
There are many diatonic harmonicas available, but Hohner Marine Band and Suzuki Bluesmaster – both available from Waltons Music – are recommended by the teacher for their quality and affordability:
- Hohner Marine Band Harmonica • C • €53.95
- Hohner Marine Band Harmonica • D • €53.95
- Hohner Marine Band Harmonica • G • €53.95
- Suzuki Bluesmaster Harmonica • C • €47.95
- Suzuki Bluesmaster Harmonica • D • €47.95
- Suzuki Bluesmaster Harmonica • G • €47.95
The Hohner Marine Band harmonicas can be purchased from Waltons Music at 5% discounts, and the Suzuki Bluesmaster harmonicas can be purchased from Waltons at 10% discounts for students enrolled in the course. If you would like to obtain a discount, please contact Waltons with your instrument choice and include a scan or photo of your course payment receipt.
What happens after the course?
Two weeks before the end of each Introducing course, participants will be given options for continuing their tuition with the New School if they would like to do so. Although an ‘improvers’ or continuation course cannot be scheduled on the same day/time as the Introducing course, one can be arranged if enough course participants would like to continue and the teacher has timetable availability or there is timetable availability with another teacher. Participants can also continue their tuition with private (one-to-one) lessons or ‘partner’ lessons with another class member. (See Tuition Options – Private • Partner • Small Group Lessons.) We are happy to discuss these options with you.
Harmonica on YouTube