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LESSONS
I have been teaching for over 20 years. As well as private
lessons, I have also taught at:
- Multiple years at the Kerrville Folk Festival
Harmonica Workshop
- Multiple years as part of Joe Filisko's Mob at SPAH
Conventions (The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the
Harmonica)
- Jason Ricci's Rocking in the Rockies
- Jon Gindick's Harmonica Jam Camp
- Multiple years at the University of Texas' Informal
Classes
Private Lessons:
I teach at my house in South Austin. Email me at michaelrubinharmonica@gmail.com or call me to set up a lesson,
512-619-0761.
Webcam and Phone Lessons:
If you do not live in Austin (or want to save gas) and you want lessons, no problem! A webcam for your computer is surprisingly inexpensive ($50 - $100 estimated price). Once you have one we can work together with video and audio over the internet. I use the Skype system for webcam lessons. Skype is free and easy to download. I will also teach by phone in the continental USA. I will place the call to save you toll charges. Email me at michaelrubinharmonica@gmail.com or call me to set up a lesson. I accept PAYPAL and major credit cards. Please click on the button at the bottom of this page when making an online payment for lessons.
Meeting of the Minds:
About once
a month I hold a group lesson where I invite the most technically advanced
private students. These have proven to be some of the most fun and
constructive lessons I have given.
What harp should I bring?
Most students start by learning diatonic. Please come with a 10 hole harp in the key of C. I recommend a Hohner Special 20. If you want to learn chromatic, talk to me over the phone about the chromatic you own or purchase a Hohner Super Chromonica in the key of C, with 12 holes. Do NOT get a Tenor or "low" chromatic.
What else should I bring?
Please bring a notebook specifically designated for your lessons, preferably at least 8 and one half by 11 paper size. You are welcome to bring an audio or video recorder.
How old do you need to be?
I teach all ages. I have worked with as young as 5 years old and I am happy to try working with younger students. If the student is younger than 18 years old I recommend adult accompaniment at the lesson. The adult does not need to play harmonica. However, the more attention the adult pays to the lesson, the more assistance they can offer at home.
Do you teach adults?
Many of my students range from 18 to 80 years old.
Do I need to learn to read music?
I do not teach reading music unless you request it.
What do the lessons focus on?
Each lesson will focus on the physical techniques of playing the harmonica. We will discuss how music works and how to improvise (create your own music). We will spend lots of time playing music together.
What if I want to learn a specific piece of music?
We will do that, but first we will make sure you have the physical technique skills necessary to be able to play the piece.
What if I am an absolute beginner?
Many of my students are beginners. Lots of our lessons will be devoted to helping you become comfortable with playing music and knowing that your music is valid.
Do you have any instructional material available?
Yes. Send $20 which includes shipping and handling to the paypal below. In the message state "Please send 'Meat and Potatoes Harmonica' to the following address" to receive my 74 page book. Half of the book is harmonica techniques and half is the basics of music theory as it relates to the harmonica.
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