Learn harmonica your way

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, and electronic payment — see how to pay ↓.

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 are concerned with how to choose a good-sounding note — the latter group is collected in order on the YouTube Archive page.

Any harmonica will work for your first lesson, but by the second lesson, please come with a 10-hole harmonica in the key of C. Most students start by learning diatonic. 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 the JDR Song. I recommend the online music store Rockinronsmusic.com.

Please bring a notebook specifically designated for your lessons, preferably at least 8½ by 11 paper size. You are welcome to bring an audio or video recorder.

I teach all ages. I have worked with students 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.

Many of my students range from 18 to 80 years old.

Yes. I have experience with both. If you are willing to try, so am I.

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.

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.

We will do that, but first we will make sure you have the physical technique skills necessary to be able to play the piece.

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.

Yes, I teach all kinds of music and I love blues.

Yes, I love all types of music.

Yes. My book Meat and Potatoes Harmonica is available as an emailed copy for $15 — see how to pay ↓.

For more advanced students I have written The Four Rudiments, for an emailed copy $20, and The Minor Book, for an emailed copy $20.