Course at a glance

The course is divided into four "years". The first year is for complete beginners. The lesson difficulty increases in a step by step way. The final year is advanced, with exercises designed to challenge experienced professionals. Whatever your level, you will find a starting point.

The tables below summarise the course. There are 81 lessons, divided into two strands, tunes and blues. Each year has around 20 lessons. If you wish to play blues only, then complete all of the freshman year lessons, then take only the blues strand in the following years. However we recommend all the lessons. The tunes strand opens a new world of music and playing opportunities.

Freshman Year

This is the starting point for complete beginners. We assume that you have never played harmonica before, and that you have no previous experience with other instruments. Begin with the 10 tunes lessons, then move to the blues ones. At the end of this year you will be able to play a range of tunes, as well as simple but effective blues improvisations.

Sophomore Year

This year shows how to play more complex tunes, and finishes the introduction to blues techniques. After this year you will be prepared for the traditional tune repertoire, and ready for blues performance.

Junior Year

This year covers advanced blues techniques, used by professional players. You will also learn a traditional tune repertoire. At the end of this year, you will be able to perform comfortably in professional blues and traditional music settings.

Senior Year

This year introduces first and third position blues, and second and third position tunes. The exercises are difficult, and will challenge even the most experienced players.