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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) as well as my own seminars at SPAH.
Jason Ricci's Rocking in the Rockies
Jon Gindick's Harmonica Jam Camp
Multiple years at the University of Texas' Informal Classes
The Texas Harmonica Workshop - Harmonicollege, West Virginia, Huntington Beach
Travaasa Hotel Resort, Austin
*Multiple corporate team building events
Private Lessons:
I teach at my house in South Austin or online via Facetime, Skype, Facebook Messenger and Zoom. Email me at michaelrubinharmonica@gmail.com or call me to set up a lesson, 512-619-0761.
What is the payment method?
I will reserve as many lessons as paid for, allowing for availability.
For the first lesson, it is fine to pay upon arrival. If you CAN pay in advance, I appreciate that.
For all future lessons, pay upon booking. For example, if today, Friday you reserve next Monday, pay for Monday today, Friday.
I accept cash, checks, cards,
Paypal: michaelrubinharmonica@gmail.com
Venmo @ michaelrubinharmonica with the last four digits of my phone number 0761
and Zelle 512 619 0761
If you do not have any of these electronic methods, click the Paypal button at the bottom of the page. When it asks if you have Paypal, say no and follow the instructions. You do not need to have Paypal to use it.
Harmonica Lessons on YouTube:
I have close to 200 videos on Youtube. My channel is michaelrubinharmonic. Many of these videos concern the physical way to play a sound. Many of these are concerned with how to choose a good-sounding note. The latter group are collected in order on this website under “Youtube Gallery”. Or just click this link below.
Any harmonica will work for your first lesson. Most students start by learning diatonic. Please come with a 10-hole harmonica in the key of C. I recommend a Hohner Special 20. If you want to learn chromatic, contact me concerning 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, nor the deluxe model. If you want a less expensive chromatic, I recommend Easttop.
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 does the student 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 there needs to be
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 you work with people with physical or mental disabilities??
Yes. I have experience with both. If you are willing to try, so am I.
Do I need to learn to read music?
I do not teach reading music unless you request it. However, people learn using different methods. There is information in written music, just like there is information in a book.
If a person is struggling with an idea, I may suggest learning to read music to see if that is how they will learn the information.
What do the lessons focus on?
My lessons are mind, body, and spirit in nature. We will discuss how to choose good-sounding notes, how to physically make sounds, and learn the history of the instrument and its players as well as use philosophy to help you develop your own style.
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.
Student Shoshana performing at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Friend Betty Welch is also performing.
Do you teach blues?
Yes, I teach all kinds of music and I love blues.
Do you teach music other than blues?
Yes, I love all types of music.
Do you have any instructional material available?
Yes. My book Meat and Potatoes Harmonica is available as an emailed PDF for $15. Send via
Paypal: michaelrubinharmonica@gmail.com
Venmo @ michaelrubinharmonica with the last four digits of my phone number 0761
Zelle 512 619 0761
"As long as Michael Rubin’s ad for harmonica lessons in on the Back Page of The Austin Chronicle, the spirit of Austin is alive." - Matt Trevena, student.
