Anaheim, California

Group Picture

“This class weekend was the best education on harp playing ever for me.  It is as though my five years of playing and prep prepared me for this.  When I got here and experienced Dave’s genius for teaching and simplifying it was an epiphany.  This will kick my playing and understanding level up to new heights—awesome weekend—everything was great.” Doug Hains


Along with lectures on improvising student often broke into groups to work out and play the concepts presented.

“I went home between the Saturday and Sunday session and played what I learned to my wife.  She said ‘That Dave guy must have performed a miracle to get you to play like that!!’  She can’t wait to see what I can do Sunday evening.  Wonderful workshop!”  Rich Shepler



“It is really fascinating to spend time with people from across the country and from all different backgrounds who have only one thing in common—a desire for self expression.  Thanks Dave for nurturing that desire by being an innovative and dedicated teacher.  Your class, approach and materials are truly outstanding.” Dr. Jim Kramer



“A great experience.  Completely lived up to my expectations.  I’m looking forward to applying the techniques.  This material will change the way I practice.” Harmonica Masterclass Soloing Workshop Participant



“At first I was intimidated by the experienced players well beyond my ability.  We all learned the basics of Chorus Forms together and applying them together.  It became a great mix of talents working off each other in groups to come up with original instrumentals to share with the class.  I would recommend this course to beginners and advanced/professionals alike.”  Lonn Olfert


We always have time for student to try what they learned at one of our jam sessions.  We;;-know guitarist and writer Rich Del Grosso played with us for this class.



“This workshop opened my eyes to all the new possibilities to be had learning new concepts in blues harmonicas. Very enlightening and informative.  I would recommend this workshop to all who are looking for ways to improve their playing.  Very informative and inspiring.” Harmonica Masterclass Soloing Workshop Participant

“This was a great experience.  I really feel I have tools now to help me identify the areas that I need to practice to get to the next level.  Diagramming and writing our own songs was very exciting.  This is my first lesson and I can’t wait for the next one.” Cody McDonald

“This will forever change the way I hear the blues.  Now I’m less intimidated when trying to learn a new song.  I have learned to play for a longer time without running out of things to play.”  Harmonica Masterclass Soloing Workshop Participant

“Thanks for another great class.  I am coming away from this workshop with a much better understanding of soloing and how to put all these great licks into my playing.  The tools presented provide the structure and definition I was looking for. I now understand much more what soloing is and how to approach practicing/developing the ability.” Ian MacGillivray

“After taking this class I feel so much more confident about soloing.  I am also glad I got to play in a low-pressure situation.” Ian Irwin

“Half way through the first day I realized that I had become a better player.  Whenever my playing skills plateau, I get more Dave Barrett instruction materials and it launches my skills to a new level and I have so much more to learn.  Dave—all by himself—is a society for the preservation and advancement of harmonica!” Dick Donohue 

“History of the Blues Harmonica concert was worth the price of admission.  Heard every lick I could have wanted.  Instructors were amazing in their depth and breadth of coverage.” Austin Texas 2005 Participant

The 2004 San Jose class has just come to end - and wow, what a weekend!  Below are some of the testimonials from participants.

“What a great weekend!  Tremendous value.  There’s enough information to carry me through the whole year.  I can hardly wait to start practicing.  The weekend really recharged my batteries.  Thanks.” Jon Harl

“The array of information, technique and the context in which to apply them provided an exceptional experience.  The staff was knowledgeable, skilled, effective and warm.  I left the workshop, like many other students, tired, inspired, full of new techniques and applications with months of joyful work ahead of me to master all that I have learned.  Thanks to the crew of HMC and School of the Blues!” Robbert Trice

“Harmonica Masterclass allows harmonica enthusiasts of all levels (beginner to professional) to learn how to get to the next level.  Perfect blend of technique, theory and fun!” Rodney Greer

“I appreciate the work and time that goes into the workshop.  It shows.  The classes are extremely well organized and thought through with respect to all skill levels.  Once again, it was more than expected.” San Jose 2004 Participant

“In summary, I was able to gain years of experience, knowledge and wisdom in just a few days—that is a value at any cost.  All of that and a lot of fun.  Thanks for the great time!” Mike Schroeder

“Huge bang for the buck!  Wish I’d had this when I was starting out.  A must for any aspiring harmonica player.” Dan Kuljian

“It’s more than a ‘harp’ tutorial. It’s a total music experience with the harmonica emphasis in context.  You not only become a better harmonica player, but as importantly, a better musician.  And it’s fun!” Richard Celsi

“They provided nuggets of wisdom by the bushel, which would take you years to learn on your own.”  Michael Filardo

“Great class, very powerful!” San Jose 2004 Participant

“Dave is a combination of virtuoso player and virtuoso instructor.  Take this class and become enlightened.” – Jeff Ransdell

“This class saved me years of time experimenting because all the techniques were there.  Excellent individualized attention.  Song writing and soloing skills were the best presentation.  Informal and interesting, but complete and useful right away.  Great class.” – Dave Erickson

“This class is one-stop shopping for the person who is serious about playing blues harp.  It covers every technique used by the greats.  It’s a great foundation for all the practice you’ll need to do.” – Bruce Griffin

“No one on the planet has more thorough support materials that can move you more rapidly through your studies and with more heart than David Barrett.  If you’ve ever wanted to work with a master of his craft, whether to acquire a rewarding hobby or to forward a professional musical career, you don’t want to miss this guy.  He is thorough, insistent, kind, and just simply the best.” – Jason Mixter,

“His Masterclass books and CD’s are the best material I have found on blues harmonica.  Since I first got the Complete Classic Chicago Blues Harp Book/CD I have made tremendous improvement.  The workshop completes the package.” – Ian MacGillivray

“My playing has been more stiff and robotic in the past.  This class has shown me ways to be more fluid and how to utilize the full range of my harmonica.  Excellent Class!  Thanks David!!” – Bob Peebles

“The class is an extremely logical presentation of how to play – keeps it simple but also has a lot of depth.  Dave is an excellent communicator – His love for the harp shines through the whole class!! This class is four stars.” – Peter Megley

“My knowledge and understanding of blues harmonica concepts has expanded phenomenally as a result of David’s excellent teaching style.  An extremely worthwhile experience!” – George Irwin

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Harmonica Masterclass 3 day workshop in Austin, Texas April 27-29, 2001. It was much more than I ever expected and the light went on with some revolutionary theory concepts taught by David Barrett. It opened up a whole new avenue of approach to the development of my style and I am grateful. Thanks for an outstanding class and I am planning to attend another on in the near future." Don Sharlow - Big Bend National Park, West Texas

"I just wanted to tell you that your Harmonica Masterclass was the best money I've spent on myself in the last 30 years-which is how long I have been "playing" the harmonica- meaning picking it up every month or so and jamming for an hour with a new CD till I get a lick or two "pretty close" and then going on to other things. As a result of your class I now know that the difference between being "hey, he 's a pretty good harmonica player" and" WOW! He's one of the best blues harp players I've ever heard!!" is just the know how (which you teach very nicely) and disciplined practice (which you have motivated me to do). Thanks for the one-on-one instruction. Harp on!" Tim DeBauw

"Historically, people have learned to play harmonica by the oral tradition, by listening to records and/or by studying books that were written idiosyncratically by people of varying ability and approaches to teaching. David Barrett brings those traditions to a new level of instruction. He is not a performer who teaches occasionally, but rather an exceptionally talented musician who is absolutely dedicated to teaching people to play the instrument and form of music that he loves. He has invested great time and thought into helping people understand both the harmonica and the music. As a result, his method makes playing the harmonica accessible to everyone with a genuine interest in playing, and his approach is organized to make learning productive and pleasurable. There will one day be a new generation of great harmonica players who point to David Barrett as their mentor." Bob Prentice

"I don't believe there is anyone on the harp scene that's doing more for educating the player.  There are great practical techniques and explanations in this class that there aren't with others.  All ideas are presented with explanation of context and use.  Don't miss this class if it's in your area!" Gary Warren -

"In 28 short hours, David systematically discussed and demonstrated all of the critical skills for a harmonica player. For me as an intermediate player, the high points of the week were learning an approach to own the high notes for second position, jamming etiquette and communications, a bouncing ball approach to ease beginners into improvising, adding texture and richness into licks, and a hand position to fatten the tone through a bullet microphone. But the biggest light bulb was the recently discovered "four measure phrasing," a technique which profoundly expands a performer's ability to sustain variety and interest while soloing, regardless of the size of his lick repertoire. Importantly, the School wonderfully complemented what I had previously learned from Phil Wiggins and Jerry Portnoy.

The only disappointment as not having David's next two book and CD sets (Blues Harmonica Jam Tracks and Soloing Concepts # 1 and # 2) available for preparation and reference. That situation will be remedied in the next few months and they will be available for future classes." Philip Chan, M.D.

"Before I say anything I should state my background. I have never had any lessons or any help with anything other then watching a video or listening to blues music. I also play the piano by ear and can slowly (very slowly read music) I had no idea what to expect. I kept thinking the class would be filled with 20 year olds. I was wrong on that one. Anyway......

Stuff I liked:
1. I liked the teaching on constructing solos. How they are structured and how they are supposed to be formed and then how they should be simple then increase in style, tone, variations, etc. Also the patterning there. I probably could have worked on that more. (the recognizing of the patterns escaped me a bit) That was mind expanding.
2. Learning the language of some of those techniques. I could do most of them but didn't know some of the lingo. I did know tongue blocking though. :-)
3. Though I may not use it; I liked the idea of the tilted embouchure for deeper tone. I try to open my mouth more in the back for some of that. I will experiment some with it.
4. Ways in which to practice: Like learning some scales and going over them slowly and then building familiarity and speed later.
5. I was inspired to learn to read the henscratching of your Harmonica Tab language. It is better then the other types out there. But whichever I use I need to learn to do it to be able to write it down if I am working on it lest I forget something important. Of course there is always the tape recorder.
7. It was definitely fun to meet people and hang out with them. Hear some different styles and all that. I also admired some for trying to do some of that though it was difficult for them. I felt it was a "safe" environment there and no one was arrogant or short with anyone with regard to ability level.

Glenn Holland ~ Ft Worth TX - April 2001 Participant (Austin TX)

"I want to thank you again, for letting me in on the class in Austin Texas. I had no idea that the little 10 hole harmonica had so much sound. In 3 days I did learn a great deal and would love to attend next year's class. I left Austin wanting to learn more and take my playing to the next level. Thank you for taking the time and showing me a path to make this happen."

Rod Sutton - April 2001 Participant (Austin TX), Referrals welcome RLBLUES88@aol.com 


I'm still buzzing from the class. I wake up in the middle of the night with licks running around my head!! I'm frustrated because my fluency and proficiency with the harp is not there yet to just let it flow through the jam trax, but what I have to do to make it happen is much clearer now. I feel like I have a solid direction to take to get me there. I give the class a 10!

Jeff - October 2000 Participant

 "Most of these type of programs are better in theory than reality.  Your class did not live down to this - it was chock full of great information and well thought out agendas.  I learned a lot and really enjoyed myself and the time flew by.  The class is a great value."

Bruce Turkel - February 2001 Atlantic Beach Florida Participant
All drawings by participant Bruce Turkel - Thanks!


"Great class.  Fun time.  Your materials are excellent.  I got your Complete Classic Chicago Blues Harp book several years ago and am still working through it.  Thanks for helping me advance."

February 2001 Atlantic Beach Florida Participant

 Please accept my sincere "thanks" for the great job you do in your Harmonica Masterclass workshops. Your combination of comprehensive Blues theory and practical exercises and jams is teaching me more about the Blues than any other lesson material I've ever seen. The workshops are a great way to interactively put your Blues lesson series "in context" and meet other players. I know the Blues must come from the heart, requires hard work to learn, and we all must make this journey ourselves--but its great to have your help along the way.

Benoit Lheureux - October 2000 Participant


"I just completed the four-day Harmonica Masterclass School. Produced and taught by David Barrett, arguably the preeminent Chicago blues harmonica instructor of the decade, it was one of the three best music learning experiences of my life.

"David. Thanks for a great class. I appreciate your skills as both a gifted musician and a gifted teacher. While there are no shortcuts to practice time, you provided in the space of 4 days the basics of techniques and a framework for understanding how improvisation works. Mapped out for me as a result of the Masterclass is more than a year of techniques to practice and the background for me to learn riffs, 12 bar solos, and eventually longer solos. A testament to your skills as a teacher is that you captivated a group that included people who have played harmonica longer than you have to folks like myself who have just started playing little over a year ago.

I was pretty happy to be able to take your class relatively early on in my playing, as it has already added focus to my practice time, and I expect to progress further and faster as a result.  Thanks again."

Robert Byrd, MD, MPH - June 2000 Participant, Referrals welcome robert.byrd@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu 

"Regarding (Harp-L Member's) interest in summer camp.  I have not been to Augusta or Port Townsend although I'm sure they're both a great experience. However, I have been to several of David Barrett's Masterclass Workshops and they have been a terrific learning experience.

I was in the first class of a new, comprehensive program David has started this year that teaches harp technique, blues music theory, phrasing, developing solos, jamming, band etiquette and much more. He is teaching this class nationwide in 2001 in different cities and the particulars can be found on his website at www.harmonicamasterclass.com.

In my opinion, not only does David have the best and most complete set of printed learning books, videos, and CDs , he can verbalize musical concepts better than anyone I have ever known. He can then demonstrate the technique very clearly and tell you how you too can learn to do it. I have been in several workshops where some really great harmonica players were trying to explain how they play a certain lick or style and words failed them. On these occasions they have turned to David to verbalize the technique and demonstrate how to go about learning it.

He's also just a great person.

The usual disclaimers apply here regarding having no formal ties to David's classes.  I'm having a great time still trying to learn how to get everything I can out of these harps I love. "

Barney Griswold, Elmira CA - June 2000 Participant.  This was reprinted with permission from a Harp-L posting.



"I'm writing this letter to anybody thinking of taking Dave Barrett's four day Harmonica Masterclass. I was one of the lucky ones to make the first one. I've been playing the harmonica for thirty years and I spent most of that time not much farther than arm's reach from a harmonica. I figure most people who play or want to learn how to play don't really want to play in a band, or professionally. The down side of that is, you don't get to practice with other musicians. I am one of those people. I've got a bookshelf full of harp books that might as well have been written in Greek, or in any other language I can't read. And there hasn't even been anybody in my area advertising harp lessons, so when I heard about this class I had to go. Bless my wife's heart for letting me go in the middle of our busy season. The class was really presented in a very comprehensive format. As a prerequisite Dave expects you to know a certain amount, like bending. However I have no background in music theory. Dave did spend some time here on the first day. My advice to you would be to take a class in music theory. Though it's not required, I think you would get more out of the class if you did. Dave will also allow you to tape the class, which is by the way, a very good idea to have a tape player and lots of tapes. Since I had an opportunity to listen to some of my tapes, I realize that I not only got my questions and answers, I got everybody else's as well. The class itself was comprised of quite a diversified group of people from all over the planet. So you can't help spending time with these people. We really had a great group. So after class is over with Dave, it just begins with your classmates. So you see you get two classes for the price of one. As well as new friendships. So in short the class is jam-packed with great information in a format that you'll be able to understand. And Dave has the patience of Job. He's only too happy to answer your questions. Dave is a very good teacher. And if for whatever reason you're unable to make this class, then try to take some lessons from somebody in your area, and play every chance you get. Especially when you get an opportunity to jam with other musicians. So happy playing and thanks to you Dave. I had a great week, and I will be absorbing it for some time to come."

Friends forever, Rick Smith - June 2000 Participant, Referrals welcome amccombs@jps.net 

 "It’s been 5 weeks since I’ve taken the Harmonica Masterclass School & it is still fresh in my mind. The class was that intense. David, your communication & motivational skills are top notch. Also I noticed your high level of patience. To say the class was worth the money is an understatement. Thanks for offering this unique opportunity."

Tony Westlake - June 2000 Participant

Sign up for the Harmonica Masterclass!  Don’t let this opportunity go by.  David provides a terrific learning environment to significantly increase your harmonica skills and knowledge. It’s an experience I look back on as a milestone and pleased I treated myself to it.  David is one of the masters in blues harmonica. His teaching style is relaxed, he communicates information clearly, both to the immediate and advanced player.

I took up the harp about 18 months prior to attending David’s class.  With no local harp instructor, I was on my own.  At first, I was reluctant to sign up.  However, I was made to feel right at home and learned more in the class then in the past 18 months. Plus, I have material that will carry me forward for years!  Good investment?  You beat!

Rick Diffley - October 2000 Participant




On as scale of 1-5; how valuable was this class? (1 = poor, 5 = excellent) "5 = excellent, I really enjoyed this class, it caused me to "stretch my playing" and gave me confidence."

Gary Malolepsy - October 2000 Participant


I'M RESPONDING TO YOUR SURVEY AND COMBINING IT WITH A TESTIMONIAL.  FIRST OF ALL A HUGE "THANK YOU" TO YOU, JOHN, AND KINYA. YOU ARE ALL REFRESHINGLY NICE GUYS.  AT THE START OF THE CLASS I WAS GREATLY INTIMIDATED BY THE THOUGHT OF PLAYING WITH SUCH SKILLED PLAYERS . I SOON LEARNED THAT I WAS WITH A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS WITH A COMMON LOVE FOR BLUES HARMONICA. I CAME TO EVALUATE MY OWN SKILLS TO SEE IF MY LEVEL COULD IMPROVE TO MY SATISFACTION. THERE IS MUCH TO LEARN AND A LOT OF WORK TO DO BUT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME THE CONFIDENCE AND THE TOOLS TO PROCEED. IT IS VERY EXCITING. I GOT HOME, PLUGGED IN THE NIFTY 50, AND STARTED TEARING IT UP. 

I THINK THE CLASS WAS VERY VALUABLE FOR ME TO LISTEN TO OTHER PLAYERS AND TO SEE THAT I CAN SUCCEED AT BECOMING A BETTER PLAYER MYSELF. I GIVE IT A 5 [1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent] FOR SURE. I GOT MY MONEY'S WORTH THE FIRST DAY, NO KIDDING!

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE GREAT EXPERIENCE. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.

DAVE ZIMMERMAN - October 2000 Participant



"Dave.  The whole weekend was a wonderful and fulfilling experience.  I'm not a real "blues" player, but being around "top-notch" musicians, and "good people" made this a very educational experience.  Irregardless of your preference for playing, and mine is mostly melodic, gospel and bluegrass, there is so, so much to learn.  It was a real joy to hear the "great ones" speak as well as play.  I especially enjoyed the warmness and friendliness of the "masters" and how they approach their music, each with contrasting approaches all geared towards the final product:  enjoyable music!   Thanks once again for a great show.  I know my own playing and listening has improved as a result of this workshop.  Hope to see you next year."

My kindest regards,  
W. Danny Dunaway - North Augusta, SC


A note posted to Harp-L  "Hi All;   Speaking for myself (and all of the harper's I spoke with) this year's Masterclass was, (for lack of a better term) awesome. I had a great time and the artists gave me more reason to keep at it. Except for that one player, he made me want to throw away my harps. :O) Never did catch his name but everyone who attended the class knows who I'm talking about.   Was that kid GREAT or WHAT! I've got to work harder and play more and yadda yadda yadda. Anybody want to take bets on whether not he makes it big?  When word gets around about these Masterclasses that David puts on we're going to have to sign up years in advance. Thanks again David, I will be seeing you again next year."

Randall B. Lloy - California

"As one of the least proficient players there, the initial intimidation of being around such great talent gave way to awe, frustration, and then both comfort and an awakening. About mid way through the jam, after having to follow Lee Oskar, I was ready to see how well my harps worked as wheel stops when changing a tire. Playing back in my room, nothing worked. Draw on the 2 hole instead of blow on the 3??? It just didn't feel right. So many bad habits to unlearn. But the defining moment was your [David Barrett] initial workshop, when you taught the basic blues scale and pointed to the notes we should play. Things started to make sense, then.  Comments made by you and the various artists thereafter, like the percentage of draw notes in the blues vs., the blows, using the 3 blow to get rid of air, all created a "need to practice".

Sunday night, after the workshops concluded, I went over to JJ's [local blues club to San Jose], and connected with a laid back, mellow jam. While my skill level was about the same as before the class, my awareness was much greater. (smoke free bars are a plus - you Californians have the right idea). I've been practicing scales, finding bent notes easier, using them more routinely, and "feeling" some of the licks that flow from the scales.

In short, I had a breakthrough, and while there's lots of work ahead, I've been able to add a new dimension to my playing. Thanks for the class, and all the hard work that went into making it a good experience.

Regards, Jordan Ruzz - 2000 Artists Harmonica Masterclass Workshop participant

"I just got back from Dave Barrett's Masterclass in San Jose and want to give you the highlights (many) for me. First, Dave is a truly nice guy and does a fantastic job organizing this event. The entire weekend ran smooth as Teflon. At least from the participants side. I'm sure Dave and the staff had their hands full.  Dave is an excellent teacher. His method is straight forward and very easy to understand. Plus it was fun. At one point there were 125 harmonica players playing the blues together under Dave's direction. Pretty groovy.

I took Mark Hummel's Chromatic seminar and not only learned a lot but, had a ball doing it. I envy you guys in the Bay area being able to get one on ones with Mark, Dave, R.J. and the like.

The concert on Saturday was absolutely jaw dropping. Lee Oskar somehow managed to get a pipe organ in a ten holer. It was so low, the reeds had to be sticking out the back. Sonny Jr. and his young protégé blew the house away. Sonny is one of the strongest players I've ever heard.  Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan gave a great performance ending with "Chicken ala Blues" off of "Too Much Fun". These guys have an overdose of happy karma. Their personalities are just like their music. Kenny smiles the entire time he's playing those incredible guitar licks. You can't help but feel good around those two.

Paul Oscher played guitar and harp in a rack. He also played the melodica. Listening to him is intense. I'm his seminar on Sunday, he told a great story about rehearsing in Muddy Waters' basement. Also he kicked butt on a bass harp, bends and all.  Marc Hummel always gives a great show and his set was squarely in the groove and swingin'.  R.J. Mischo came on with only a bass player and burned the place down. The whole set had this "beatnicky" feel to it. It was a masterstroke of showmanship.  Other sets by Phil Wiggins, Brendan Power, Annie Raines, and Dave Barrett all had their moments too. I'm not tryin' to slight any of them but I'm running out of superlatives.

All in all, this was a fantastic weekend. Everyone was friendly and helpful.  Especially the guest artists. Without having them over for dinner, it was as good as it gets as a way to talk and learn from them.

Thanks Dave for a great job. I can't wait for the next one."

Tim Northcutt - Reposted by permission from the Harp-L newsgroup
Texas


Hi, just wanted to tell you I had an awesome, amazing, and great time at the Mini-Masterclass workshop last weekend (Mini-Masterclass 1/2000.) Being able to play what we were being taught during the workshops brought a whole new life to the experience. To be able to play new things during the jam session that I'd learned earlier in the day was well beyond my wildest expectations.  I also greatly appreciated the individual attention of the interviews and your coming over especially to help me with bending notes. This has been an elusive technique for me for years and those few minutes have made all the difference. My eeks and squeaks have turned into tonal near misses and near hits, and I can tell that a little more practice will have me incorporating melodic bends into my playing soon enough.

Understanding the shape of the mouth in terms of vowel sounds makes all the difference. I had never understood that single notes could/should be played naturally with an "E" sound. Part of my confusion came from several authors descriptions of keeping the tongue in a relaxed/natural position while drawing single notes. Linguistically speaking, "E" is far from a relaxed position, and isn't typically classified as 'the' natural position (there is another vowel which usually gets these distinctions in English, called 'schwa'). So my area of expertise was getting in the way of following common descriptions.

Anyhow, I'm a very happy camper, and thoroughly had a good time. I even went to JJ's for the first time on Sunday night and will probably go back to jam there sometime. I met several really fun people to hang out with at the workshop and am looking forward to the next one in June."

Sondra Ahlén (In response to Mini-Masterclass 2000)
Sunnyvale, CA

"I don't want to embarrass you but I think you are able to verbally express musical concepts better than anyone I have ever heard. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire class and look forward to the summer session in June. I had to leave early on Sunday to go to a meeting but I stayed until the last minute I could, before I left."

Barney Griswold (In response to Mini-Masterclass '99)
Elmira, CA


"Thanks to you &Tom for a very informative, entertaining, and enjoyable weekend. I especially appreciated the good vibes & open-ness of all involved - including my fellow students. Being primarily a singer & guitarist who is trying to move beyond being an "advanced beginner" on harp, I learned a tremendous amount about harmonica, amps, mics, etc & different artists. The way that you & Tom, working together, were able to break down various techniques was really impressive. Over the past few days I have been listening to the audio tapes I made during the classes, and there are certain sections that provide insights that would be virtually impossible for me to get any other way - but I get it! Allowing audio taping is a huge plus for me, and makes my investment in the weekend worth every penny."

Mark Gagliardi
Oakland, CA


Using some of the techniques from your class I can tell that the "tone" has as much to do with the techniques of playing as the equipment you play through. After seeing Tom learn vibrato techniques from you made me realize no matter what you think you know you can always learn more and the most important thing I learned at the Mini-Masterclass was how much I still have to learn. Thanks for your help and I'll see you in June!

~Robert Wong~ ;-[]
Garden Grove, CA


"I got a lot out of the class. My playing has been stagnating for a while and the Mini Master Class gave me not only technical insights but also inspiration. I've paid good money for lessons in the past and have never met a harmonica player with your in-depth understanding of music theory as it relates to the harp. More important though is that you can express what you know in a way that others can follow, not all great players can teach.""I got a lot out of the class. My playing has been stagnating for a while and the Mini Master Class gave me not only technical insights but also inspiration. I've paid good money for lessons in the past and have never met a harmonica player with your in-depth understanding of music theory as it relates to the harp. More important though is that you can express what you know in a way that others can follow, not all great players can teach."

Ashton Johnson
Oxnard, CA


Thanks again for the great weekend. You're an excellent teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed the classes. You and Tom managed to combine an amazing amount of information, music, and laid-back fun into two days.'

Beth
San Pablo, CA


“Dear David, I attended Saturday at the Masterclass and was blown away. It is a brilliant idea to have those of us masses (I am self taught harp player, mainly by ear 'though I read music, who plays in an R & R band here in SLC) be able to interact with those masters. I plan to come back next year and stay in San Jose (I stayed with relatives in SF, a schlep) for the whole weekend. The Masterclass was a major motivator even for a recreational harp player like myself. And the concert Saturday night was a knock out. I assume we 'I'll be on the mailing list for the Mini-Masterclass in case I need a break from Utah Winters. Thanks again."

Louis Borgenicht 
SLC, Utah


"Okay, Okay...  I'm not sure what blew me away more.. a nine year old harmonica prodigy from Japan or Howard Levy playing a blues tune on a single diatonic in every key! Or was it hanging around and talking with players like Gary Primich, Jerry
Portnoy and Magic Dick? Not exactly my normal clean the yard weekend! I also enjoyed playing through the Sonny Jr. 2 and the Harp King Amplifiers. By far the best tone I have ever gotten out of any amplifier (I have been playing
since 1971). It wont be too long until I own a Sonny Jr. 2 (my favorite of the two). Oh yeah, one more thing... It was Great to meet some of you harp-l-ers!"  

Doug Burns
California


"Just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed the Masterclass. I think many of the most important take away points for me had to with breathing, relaxation, and philosophy. I look forward to building on what I learned." - 

Dan "Harpdog" Marson
Birmingham, AL

Regards, Jordan Ruzz - 2000 Artists Harmonica Masterclass Workshop participant