Seven.Oh.Three.
186 posts
Jan 09, 2013
7:38 AM
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My goal for 2013 is to get out to an open mic night and dive into that whole scene. But I need to seriosuly step up my Game to do that. So I'm looking for references for harmonica instructors that offer Skype lessons. I've used the search feature and came up with a few names but most the threads were older. So, who have you taken lessons from recently?
Thanks!
7.o.3.
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Tuckster
1243 posts
Jan 09, 2013
7:51 AM
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See that orange banner to your left? Scroll down to where it says "harp teachers" and click on it. :>)
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Seven.Oh.Three.
187 posts
Jan 09, 2013
7:56 AM
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I was sort of thinking hearing some members personal experience (or recommendations) might be helpful........
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FMWoodeye
529 posts
Jan 09, 2013
9:29 AM
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I have taken lessons from both Ronnie Shellist and Todd Parrott. Ronnie is mainly a Chicago blues type guy and also a former school teacher. He can evaluate your playing, help you set goals and be an invaluable assett to you. Todd Parrott, in addition to being a fine blues player, also has a strong gospel and country background. I took some lessons from Todd hoping to broaden my repertoire and possibly bring some country licks into my blues as sort of a condiment as country and blues sort of overlap in many cases. He is also a fine teacher. I have posted many times that there is no substitute for one-on-one instruction. It's not something you have to do on a weekly basis, and it's well worth the expense.
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Kingley
2151 posts
Jan 09, 2013
9:50 AM
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I'd say the first thing you need to decide is what style you want to play. Then look for a teacher who is highly adept at playing in that particular style. For example, I wouldn't go to a jazz harp teacher if I wanted to concentrate on learning classic Chicago blues stylings and vice versa.
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jimbo-G
150 posts
Jan 09, 2013
10:11 AM
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Not meaning to hijack this thread, but does anyone know of any teachers near Edinburgh Scotland.
Sorry 7.o.3 im in the same situation as you so can't comment.
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RyanMortos
1372 posts
Jan 09, 2013
10:06 AM
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I recommend emphatically Skype lessons with Michael Rubin.
In the first few lessons you will learn the notes that fit in the scale for each key, he will get you jamming along with recordings immediately. You will quickly gain confidence that you are able to play along with jam tracks & open mic groups. He will teach you all about playing blues & non blues. He can teach diatonic & chromatic harmonica.
I've taken Skype lessons from other top teachers, a bunch of local players, and a myriad of workshops from all sorts of teachers. Michael is one of the best for any level, he's super easy to approach, & has a fun sense of humor. Not to mention he's a teacher & gigging professional of many years who can offer real life advice.
Check out his site: michaelrubinharmonica.com
Or message him on facebook: Michael Rubin on FaceBook
I highly recommend you send him a message, tell him about yourself, and set up a friendly harmonica lesson or two with him.
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~Ryan
See My Profile for contact info, etc.
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Kingley
2152 posts
Jan 09, 2013
10:09 AM
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Jimbo-G - Try looking for Wee Al Price. I think he's based in Glasgow. He's a good player and might teach. Also Cameron (7LimitJI) on this forum. He's based in Scotland. He might teach as well. If neither of those guys teach I'm pretty sure they'll know who does near you.
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timeistight
1041 posts
Jan 09, 2013
10:26 AM
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"My goal for 2013 is to get out to an open mic night and dive into that whole scene. But I need to seriosuly step up my Game to do that."
Skype lessons, personal lessons, videos and books are all great, but nothing prepares you for playing with other people like playing with other people. Find a friendly local jam and introduce yourself to the leader. Maybe even take a lesson from him or another veteran jammer (they don't have to play harp). If the leaders any good, he'll help you get your feet wet without too much trauma. If not, find another jam.
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They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.
Charlie Parker
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Seven.Oh.Three.
188 posts
Jan 09, 2013
10:35 AM
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Thanks for the helpful input!
@Timeistight- Thanks for the insight. I have a lot to learn before I even attempt an open mic!
7.o.3.
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timeistight
1043 posts
Jan 09, 2013
10:39 AM
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Well, what are you missing? What do you need to learn before you can jam?
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They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.
Charlie Parker
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Seven.Oh.Three.
189 posts
Jan 09, 2013
11:02 AM
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I'm missing tons! haha. If a band leader called out "Lets play a slow blues in G" I'd have no idea what harp to grab and once I figured that out I'd have no idea what to play! haha. So unless they called out "Let's do Adam Gussow's lesson of blah blah blah" I'd be so lost.
Currently I'm following Rubin's meat and potatoes youtube lessons to learn general music knowledge and using Adam's lessons to learn songs/riffs/technique. But being very real with myself, I know I have plenty learning to do!
7.o.3.
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Kingley
2157 posts
Jan 09, 2013
12:41 PM
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Why not try playing along with a few blues CD's. That'll get you're ear working. Just get yourself a harp key/position chart and remember that in 2nd position (most of Adam's lessons are on 2nd position harp) your root note (the key the music is in) is the 2 hole draw. Try picking songs that have fairly simple harp parts to start with. You could also try recording yourself playing along to a CD and then listen back to it to see how it sounds.
Here's a link to a harp key/position chart:
Harp key/position chart
Last Edited by on Jan 09, 2013 12:42 PM
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jimbo-G
151 posts
Jan 09, 2013
1:55 PM
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Cheers kingly
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SuperBee
811 posts
Jan 09, 2013
2:45 PM
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$45 per hour? I wish!
Depends who you deal with I guess. But the top guys are more like $75 and up.
I dunno I'd call it hwy robbery though. That's what pretty much any skilled trades charge. In this country at least. And no one is getting their arm twisted or having a gun pointed at they head.
And.. There are some things you can't get from books.
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Seven.Oh.Three.
190 posts
Jan 09, 2013
2:42 PM
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There are so many options out there. Really I guess it comes down to what works best for your learning style. I REALLY like Adam's downloadable lessons and I've learned most everything I know from them. I've tried using books/cd's in the past and they just don't work well for me(not to say they wouldn't work for others). I'm hoping to mix it up with Skype lessons. Two added bonuses with Skype is you get feedback on your playing from someone more capable then myself. Secondly, it mixes it up a little. It's nice to have the option of using Cd's, DVD's, books, video lessons and skype. At least for me it keeps things interesting.
I have a hard time saying $50 an hour is highway robbery. My auto repair shop bills $90 per hour..... And that's substantially less then our competitors. Everybody's got to eat!
7.o.3.
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clamsharpplayer
149 posts
Jan 09, 2013
2:44 PM
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703, I'm a student of Michael Rubin's. Give him a call. He can help with the open jam stuff......and more
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FMWoodeye
532 posts
Jan 09, 2013
3:16 PM
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As I said, it's not an expense you need to incur on a weekly basis. Any of these guys can listen to you and hear things that you don't hear. Adam doesn't do Skype, but I would LOVE to sit with him, and pay, for an hour or two and get some one-man-band insights. I will probably spend some time with Michael Rubin before I'm done, too. Lessons even twice a year would be more helpful than you think.
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snakes
690 posts
Jan 09, 2013
3:17 PM
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I highly recommend Grant Dermody. I've taken many a lesson from him and they are well worth the money.
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snakes in Snohomish
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SuperBee
812 posts
Jan 09, 2013
3:32 PM
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I've been talking to JimiLee on Skype, now on Google+.
I've gotta say my ability to hear and control the notes in 2 and 3 draw especially is way better as a direct result. My daughter, who is my most outspoken and harshest critic (gotta love her!) asked me if I thought I was better for the time I spent with JL. She said she found my playing much less annoying these days :)
JL has also really helped me stay focused on some things I would probably otherwise have not addressed, and not appreciated the importance of. Worth it? I wish I'd done it 5 years ago!
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Todd Parrott
1084 posts
Jan 09, 2013
3:41 PM
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Skype has its advantages and disadvantages, but is a helpful tool all in all.
I agree that Skype lessons are expensive, and have even considered lowering my rates. In fact, for December, I offered a 1-hour Skype lesson on a "name your own price" basis and allowed folks to pay whatever they decided.
Some guys charge $60-65 for an hour lesson, some charge more, some less. I currently charge $45 for an hour, and anyone who has ever studied with me knows that the lesson usually runs way over an hour at no extra charge, and I make myself available for questions and feedback free of charge afterwards.
My time is very valuable to me, as are the hours upon hours of practice and study I've spent over the years to try and make myself a better player and musician. If someone wants to pick my brain and get shortcuts to what it's taken me years to master, it's gonna cost something, plain and simple. I'm certainly not the best teacher by any means, but I have certain techniques, licks, secrets, etc. that I will never post on YouTube for free. There's nothing wrong with those players who choose to do so, I think that's a very generous thing to do, but so many these days expect everything for free. I couldn't tell you how many times I've gotten a message via YouTube that says nothing more than, "tabs please," which I immediately delete.
Books are great, especially anything from David Barrett. Michael Rubin is also an excellent teacher. Different things work for different folks.
My personal approach is that intermediate-level players usually don't need several lessons. The harmonica is one of those instruments, like many other instruments, that requires lots of individual practice, especially since, as Howard Levy says, it is an invisible instrument. For this reason, I don't usually go beyond 4 lessons. This doesn't mean I won't still help you or jump on Skype with you. I remain available to anyone who studies with me as much as possible.
Hope this doesn't seem like highway robbery.
P.S. Did I mention that there is already some FREE information, presentations, and audio files on my site? I will also be contributing some info to David Barrett's site this year as well.
Last Edited by on Jan 09, 2013 8:37 PM
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Michael Rubin
714 posts
Jan 09, 2013
4:52 PM
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Wow, thanks for the kind words everyone. I also think Dave Barrett, Adam, Jimi Lee, Ronnie Shellist and Todd Parrott are excellent teachers and have taken private or group lessons with each one of them. I haven't worked with Grant Dermody but love his music and personality. Of course, there are many other great teachers.
As to the highway robbery comment, I charge $50 per hour. I want it very clear that I do not charge for my harmonica knowledge. If we met at a coffee shop and we found out we both played harps, I would talk your ear off. My rates are for my time.
If anyone wants lessons but cannot afford $50 per hour, I offer partial scholarships. Make me an offer, getting as close to my rate as you can that will enable you to comfortably come to at least two lessons per month.
That said, I do have an instruction book for only $20, $15 for a PDF. 75 pages. I have made around 80 free educational videos. There is no question that part of my motivation for making the videos was to make more students aware that I teach privately, but if you do not give me a dime but learn from my videos, I still consider it time well spent.
I also want to make it clear that although my videos are theory heavy, lessons are also about techniques and improvisation and jamming and learning songs!
Please excuse the advertisement, but this thread seemed to allow it.
Last Edited by on Jan 09, 2013 5:06 PM
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timeistight
1044 posts
Jan 09, 2013
5:31 PM
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"If a band leader called out 'Lets play a slow blues in G' I'd have no idea what harp to grab"
Maybe you're trying to run before you can walk. Spending some time with a beginner book (like one of the ones recommended here) before lining up lessons might pay off in faster progress down the road.
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They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.
Charlie Parker
Last Edited by on Jan 09, 2013 5:32 PM
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Michael Rubin
715 posts
Jan 09, 2013
6:37 PM
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Todd,
Todd,
Hey, after responding to MBH I realzed what I wrote may come off as a dig to you. You said something to the effect of "I've worked hard for my techniques, I charge to teach them"
I said something like "I charge for my time, the teaching is free."
Rest assured, my statement was in no way a response to yours. I have been using that statement to explain my feelings about teaching forever. I have nothing but respect for you.
Your friend,
Michael Rubin
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BronzeWailer
845 posts
Jan 09, 2013
7:15 PM
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I have taken many one on one lessons with a famous Aussie harp player, Jim Conway. At first I was amazed that such a person would deign to spend time with someone like me. Then I realized that a lot of great musicians teach because even though the music is great the pay doesn't necessarily follow suit. My teacher has opened a lot of doors (in my mind as well), tells me when I am doing things right, and more importantly,wrong,what sounds sexy and what doesn't. If it means forgoing some pleasure (booze, cigs, restaurant meal, lottery ticket or whatever) I would recommend saving up for a harp lesson. The pleasures mentioned above are momentary. What you learn in a lesson is there forever, and will give pleasure to you and hopefully others.In a similar vein, I took my first singing lesson yesterday and am incredibly pleased about it!
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Todd Parrott
1085 posts
Jan 09, 2013
8:18 PM
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Michael,
No worries at all, man. I didn't interpret your response in that way. And I also value my time, as well as my techniques. My respect for you is mutual. You are a very valuable resource to all of us in the harp community.
And to everyone else... I have heard nothing but positive feedback about Michael Rubin and Ronnie Shellist. Many folks who have studied with me have also studied with these guys and have had wonderful things to say. I would recommend both of them very highly, and I often do.
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timeistight
1045 posts
Jan 10, 2013
9:24 AM
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Nobody spends 40 hours per week giving lessons.
I once took a class on freelancing. The instructor's advice was to calculate an hourly wage you could live with and then triple it for your charge rate. His point was that you'd probably spend two unpaid hours on business management, skills development, marketing etc. for every hour you were able to charge.
So your $50 per hour teacher is actually making less than $35,000 per annum.
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They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.
Charlie Parker
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Rax Adaam
14 posts
Jan 10, 2013
9:35 AM
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@KillerJoe - that's kind of specious reasoning. 40h of 1-on-1 teaching in a week is *exhausting*, not many jobs would have similar demands (talking, interacting, focusing at 100% for 8h straight). Plus, not all of those 40h could pay: it takes a lot of effort to coordinate schedules and communicate with clients, maintain advertising for on-going business etc. & i'd sure hope any teacher of mine would have some vacation time during the year, and some extra cash to cover illness or injury.
I tutor privately - university physics and math - and have worked out that to make the same as an middle school teacher (without accounting for potential illness or injury etc.) - I'd have to bring in ~$100/h. Obviously I don't, but it's not as simple as multiplying a few numbers.
I guess it doesn't matter - if you think it's too much, then you should definitely stick with the other options you mentioned, it would just be unfortunate if you felt "taken" for having paid $40/h for lessons - some teachers are really worth it! Good luck!
Rax
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Rick Davis
1144 posts
Jan 10, 2013
10:21 AM
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Ronnie Shellist does live online classes. Pretty cool.
http://www.harmonica123.com/
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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Kingley
2161 posts
Jan 10, 2013
10:19 AM
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KillerJoe - I don't think that $45 for an hours lesson is that bad. Here in the UK all the friends of mine that teach guitar charge £15-£20 for twenty minutes, which is around $25-$30 in your money. Which equates to $75-$90 per hour.
Let's look at this another way. So suppose that you are learning to overblow and how to work them into your music. Or say maybe you're learning how to play more fluently in 3rd position. Now you could struggle for weeks, months or even years to achieve just a basic grasp of how to do this. Or you could pay someone like Todd, Jason, Ronnie, for an hours lesson and maybe learn in that hour what it could take you months to grasp by yourself. A classic example of this is when about twenty years ago I was struggling trying to learn blow bending for a couple of months. I was speaking to one of my harp suppliers staff at the time about it and he asked me to play a blow bend down the phone for him. To cut a long story short, he taught me to blow bend over the phone in about two minutes flat. In that case the lesson was free, but you get the point.
Last Edited by on Jan 10, 2013 10:19 AM
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Kingley
2162 posts
Jan 10, 2013
10:38 AM
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KillerJoe - You could well be right. I guess more people would have to post their experience for us to get a wider perspective on the value of these lessons.
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kudzurunner
3785 posts
Jan 10, 2013
10:57 AM
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@Killer Joe: Dennis, Ronnie, Todd, and Michael are all forum members. You've said what you've had to say, without naming any names, but the phrase "these guys" might lead some to think that you're referring to one or more of your fellow forum members in a way that is plainly out of line with the forum creed.
You've made your point. Everybody understands how you feel. I'm speaking as a moderator now: please leave the field to others.
FYI, the going rate for private/Skype harmonica lessons is $40-100 an hour. (Billy Branch is on the top end.) Most charge $50-65/hr. That is entirely consistent with what professionals on other instruments charge for private lessons.
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timeistight
1046 posts
Jan 10, 2013
1:23 PM
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I hate it when people delete posts after I've replied to them. Makes it look like I'm talking to myself.
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Great rock and roll should hurt, and it should change your life, not necessarily for the better.
David St. Hubbins
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Chickenthief
329 posts
Jan 10, 2013
1:46 PM
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I'm trying to muster funds to get started with Ronnie Shellist.
The prices for instruction, services, and advice in the harp community are by and large VERY reasonable. Although there are some famous exceptions, everyone knows that musicians have always been underpaid for the value that they bring to the culture and their community.
The good thing about the internet is that chumps like me get a lot of free stuff. The bad thing is that some of us now feel entitled to it. Honest to tell you, there are a lot of us who are indebted to specific people right here on this forum. I hope that all these good teachers get their asking price.
Also, it doesn't hurt to actually pay for somebodies recorded music every now and then.
If only we lived in a world where poets and politicians were paid in accordance with their respective worth.
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KingBiscuit
216 posts
Jan 10, 2013
6:25 PM
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jimi lee is an outstanding instructor and does skype
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Todd Parrott
1087 posts
Jan 10, 2013
8:16 PM
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Yes, Jimi Lee would be a GREAT person to study with, as he has a great knowledge of many things, and is a chord machine! He's one of the most fun guitar players to jam with. His chord progressions will challenge you to find new thing to play over the changes.
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