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