Private Harmonica Lessons in NYC

General Information

For harmonica lessons in Manhattan, Brookyn, Queens and the Bronx:

I teach private lessons on chromatic harmonica and diatonic harmonica. I am one of the only harmonica players with a degree in harmonica from an accredited 4 year university. I have 11 years of experience as a teacher, and I currently teach both children and adults of all ages and experience levels.

Private lessons are an hour long and tailored to each student's individual needs. Lessons include instructional materials and play along CDs. Lessons are held at my studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn; or I can travel to your home or office in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens.

A 10 hole C major diatonic harmonic or 12 hole C chromatic harmonica is required. You can find them at most music stores or online at The Best Li'l Harp House.

Contact me to schedule your first lesson!

Lesson Cost

The cost is $50 for a 1-hour lesson in my studio, or $80 for a 1-hour lesson if I travel to you. Private lessons are generally held weekly at a fixed time, and are prepaid at the beginning of each month. Open scheduling without prepayment can be accommodated for an extra fee of $10 per lesson.

Sample 12-week Syllabus For Beginners

Week 1:
  • How to Produce a Single Note
  • C Major Scale
  • Improvisation Basics
  • 2nd position or "Cross Harp" Basics
  • Intro to Bending
Week 2:
  • Bending (Note layout, tablature, tips for bending)
  • Focus - 3 Draw Half Step Bend
Week 3:
  • Understanding Basic Theory
  • The I, IV and V Chords
  • 12 bar Blues Structure
  • Roots in 1st Octave
  • Focus - 4 Draw Bend
Week 4:
  • Trills
  • The Quick IV
  • Roots in 2nd Octave
  • Focus - 2 Draw Whole Step Bend
  • Minor Pentatonic with a b5 (Blues Scale)
Week 5:
  • Understanding the Blues Scale
  • Focus - 1 Draw Bend
  • Extending the Blues Scale
Week 6:
  • Advanced Tongue Blocking
  • Unison Octaves
  • Focus - 3 Draw Whole Step Bend
Week 7:
  • Major Pentatonic Scale
  • Major Pentatonic Scale Extended
Week 8:
  • Chords and Double Stops
  • Applying Chords
  • Focus - Using both Bends in Hole 3
Week 9:
  • Turnarounds
  • Keying Songs
  • Simple Pattern Based Playing
Week 10:
  • Focus - 2 Draw Half Step Bend
Week 11:
  • Different Chord Structures
Week 12:
  • Combining Scales
  • Advanced Pattern Based Playing