Introducing Harmonica

Course details

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, 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.

Participating students will need to have diatonic harmonicas in the keys of C, D and G (Suzuki Bluesmaster, Lee Oskar and Hohner Marine Band are the teacher's recommended brands), as well as First Lessons Blues Harmonica by David Barrett, before the course begins. Harmonicas are available from Waltons Music shops at discounted prices for students, and they can also be purchased with the course. The school office will have copies of the book available for €10.93 (a 5% discount) before the first class.

What happens after the course has finished?

You will be given options for continuing your tuition at the school. Although a continuation ‘Improvers’ course cannot generally be scheduled on the same day/time as the Introducing course, one can be arranged if enough students would like to continue and your teacher has timetable availability. Students can also continue their tuition with either private (one-to-one) or small group lessons with other class members. We are happy to discuss these options with you.

Introducing Harmonica is one of our group courses for beginners. Private (one-to-one), partner, small group and one-off 'intensive' harmonica lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced.