Faculty

Chromatic Harmonica 101

A class structured for beginning to intermediate players, as well as advanced players of any instrument who would like to learn theory, improvisation and other fundamentals in relationship to the chromatic harmonica. Depending on the level of participants, many bases are covered, starting from reading music and fundamentals of Western Harmony, to various techniques of playing and performing the chromatic harmonica. Also discussed will be a history of the instrument, application in various genres, its use in different countries around the world and possibilities for the future. Resources for research, on-line and through available literature, are distributed in class. Special guests are invited to perform and lecture about their experience with this rare and magical instrument.

Prerequisite: Students must bring a functional, in-tune chromatic harmonica, minimum 3-octave model, as well as a music notebook to class. Please note: for questions about purchasing an instrument, or for any other concerns, please email Damien Masterson at dzm@damienmasterson.com

SECTION I (BEG)Saturdays 11:45 am - 1:15 pm DAMIEN MASTERSON (10 weeks) $360
SECTION II (INT/ADV) Saturdays 1:30 - 3pm DAMIEN MASTERSON (10 weeks) $360

Regrettably, this class has been cancelled

Harmonica Ensemble

It is hard to imagine today how incredibly popular the harmonica was at the beginning of the last century through the 1950s. Groups like the original Marine Bands that gave a classic harmonica its name, to Jerry Murad's Harmonicats and the Borrah Minovitch Harmonica Rascals inspired amateur "bands" small and huge, which rehearsed all over the country, learning tunes like "Peg o' My Heart" and "Spanish Eyes", made popular by these famous ensembles. Today, a harmonica community thrives, and although the instrument's popularity has shifted towards more of a solo instrument in the blues, rock and jazz realms, there are still clubs and organizations all over the world where ensembles get together and play. Let's make it happen at the Jazzschool!

Required instruments: Mandatory is a chromatic harmonica, or diatonic harmonicas in several keys. Reading skills preferred; a very good ear and memory can suffice.

Traditional instruments are Bass Harmonica, Chord harmonica and lead chromatic with all harmonicas possible after the core trio. If a student has the desire to take the course and play a Bass or Chord harmonica, but does not own an instrument, arrangements can be made for a instrument loan for use while enrolled. (Cleaning fee will apply)

Saturdays 3:15 - 4:45 pm DAMIEN MASTERSON (10 weeks) $360