Musicians & collaborators

“I soon learned that if you have the patience to learn, Rubin has the patience to teach you. He lets you know the parts you have mastered and is able to spot and then give you guidance on the parts you are struggling with. He doesn't push you but inspires you to learn and play better. I leave each lesson knowing I am a better musician than when I arrived.”

“I have been taking harmonica lessons from Rubin for over 8 months and I have to say that I end up learning more than just the harmonica at every session. The lessons go by a pace comfortable to me and I learn something new and interesting if I haven't built on what I was taught the previous time. He observes my playing very carefully which is important while learning the harmonica because there's so much technique involved. I've gained from every penny I've spent. Thank you, Rubin.”

“I have found Michael's teaching style perfectly matches my optimal learning style — a healthy foundation of theory balanced with lots of hands-on practice illustrating the concepts we're working on. Like a good martial arts teacher, Michael starts with foundation skills and concepts and expands and builds on those while constantly returning to strengthen and widen those fundamental elements. He's patient and calm and I really value the opportunity I have to learn from him.”

“When I moved to Austin, I decided to indulge myself with a long time goal – learning to play harmonica. I was fortunate to find Michael Rubin, one of the best harmonica teachers available! We started with the very basics – I needed to learn to read music, scales and chords. Michael has infinite patience and teaches all skill levels — from children to professional musicians. Since I travel frequently, we did many of our lessons on Skype which was just as effective as meeting in person.”

“What started out as a whim when I signed up for an intro to harmonica class at UT has become a lifelong interest due to Michael's excellent instruction and passion. Michael is a professional; a harp master. He teaches just the right amount of musical theory and technique balanced with a love for playing, especially the blues. While I still have a ways to go, I leave every lesson energized and excited to play on!”

“Living in Belgium, it was a bit difficult for me to find an English speaking harmonica teacher. Luckily, I was introduced to Michael who was happy to give lessons over Skype. Even with the time difference, we were able to work out acceptable times for lessons. His style of teaching works very well over the internet and I really felt as though there wasn't an ocean between us. I came very far very quickly and I look forward to continuing!”

“I am a university professor who was looking for a new hobby. Michael has introduced me to the world of the harmonica, and I can now begin to accompany my daughter as she plays mandolin. He is a pretty innovative instructor and even came up with some new techniques to help me with my timing.”

“Michael Rubin taught both of my sons for one semester when they were home schooled and his work with them during that short time period opened up new worlds of musical ability and exploration that have been continuously ongoing ever since! He especially gave my son both the academic music theorist's perspective AND the down and dirty musician on the streets version of playing with others.”

“I completely love my harmonica lessons with Michael Rubin. I love his passion for the instrument. The passion is evident in his voice, his body when he plays, his respect for the music and for the history of the harmonica. His passion is contagious. I love his knowledge of the instrument and his teaching of the theory of music — I have learned more music theory from Michael than I learned from all my other teachers combined.”

“When I approached Michael about lessons, he asked me the question, ‘Do you want to learn how to play blues harmonica, or do you want to learn how to be a musician?’ After taking about six lessons from Michael, I understood what he meant. Michael teaches you the RIGHT way! Because of Michael, when I meet or play with other musicians, I understand them and am able to communicate with them in a professional dialogue. After taking lessons from about five different teachers, I highly recommend Michael!”

“Attending my first group lesson as part of the UT Informal Classes was nerve wracking. I had no experience and the thought of playing in front of other people made me nearly apoplectic. To my great delight, however, I met a teacher who was experienced and knew the fears we faced. Rubin makes learning the instrument a joy.”

“Being a total beginner with anything concerning music, I was incredibly nervous my first lesson. However, Michael's opening statement to me was, ‘You have the right to play music,’ and I've been hooked ever since. Having the opportunity to learn from someone who is not only supremely skilled in his craft, but also dedicated to the background and foundation of the music and instruments he plays is euphoric.”

“I have been taking lessons from Rubin for over 7 years now, since I first picked up the instrument and was 100% music illiterate. I keep coming back for more because he is a walking harp encyclopedia! I now consider him not only an instructor but a friend. I live in Altadena, CA and now take lessons via Skype, since I no longer live in Austin.”

“I've been a student of Michael's since 2011. I am very happy and appreciative about the progress I've made on the harmonica with Michael. I attribute it to his ability to teach music, in the largest sense of the word, while simultaneously teaching how to play the harmonica. After a year of lessons in Texas, I moved to Rome, Italy and we've kept working together without skipping a beat through Skype.”

“I have taken lessons from at least a dozen different harmonica teachers, both in person and via Skype, bought all sorts of self teaching instructional books and DVDs, watched hundreds of how-to YouTube videos, and even joined paid learning websites. It was not until I started taking lessons from Michael that I really started to feel like I could play along with other musicians. Michael is not only a great harmonica player but also one of the best available harmonica teachers, hands down.”

“People often ask me how long I've been playing blues harp. The truth is I first picked one up when I was 12. If you're looking for licks; don't go to Rubin. You can steal licks from a record. Rubin will teach fundamentals that will give you adequate knowledge of your instrument. When you finish your apprenticeship you will be not only a better harmonica player, but a better musician.”

“I've been taking harmonica lessons from Michael for two and a half years now. He turned this ‘wannabe’ musician into a musician. His teaching style resonates with me — a great balance between the practical and the theory. Michael is a Teacher with a capital ‘T’. No matter how modest or grand your goals are for playing the harmonica, Michael can help you to reach them.”

“Two words come to mind when I think of Rubin; dedication and patience. He is deeply and passionately committed to his music and constantly strives to grow and improve, on harp and other instruments, such as mandolin. I am still amazed by his endless patience in coaching and coaxing students like me to uncover our latent talents and interest in music. His enthusiasm is infectious!”

“When I was younger I tried learning an instrument, but never found one that clicked. The harmonica was more my style. I appreciated Michael's patience and not forcing the learning. He has extensive knowledge of music in general along with understanding how it is to learn an instrument that seems simple but has many complexities. He also never let learning necessary basics interfere with the fun of simply jamming.”

“I've been taking lessons a year and 2 months. I started playing in my early 20's by ear. I've been playing in church all these years. A buddy of mine at church suggested it would be good to take theory on harmonica. It's been the best thing someone has told me in a long time. I can tell the difference and people are telling me they can hear the difference.”

“When I was younger I wasted loads of my parents' money and my own time sitting in classes where the teacher didn't care if I learned anything. Michael is the exact opposite. He wants you to learn and enjoy the harmonica as much as he does. You won't find a more patient instructor either. He answered all of my dumb questions, so I know he will answer yours.”

“I first met Michael Rubin through a beginner's harmonica class he taught at UT. After that I continued with private lessons. Michael's extensive knowledge of the history of the harmonica and his ability to play chromatic, diatonic, bass and other harps continues to amaze me. I would highly recommend Michael Rubin to harp players of any skill level.”

“Having played piano my entire life, I had never strayed away from the written page. With a desire to explore improvisation, I picked up the harmonica a half a year before beginning my lessons with Michael. I must admit I was a bit apprehensive before my first lesson, but within 5 minutes, Michael had a way of making me completely forget that I was not actually in the same room with him. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Michael and look forward to continued advancement under his tutelage.”

“Michael Rubin is a wonderful person and a gifted teacher who happens to focus on teaching harmonica. He is organized, articulate, capable, one of the smartest people I know, and one of the kindest, gentlest, and most humane teachers — of any subject — that I have ever met or had the pleasure of working with.”