Performance Skills
Requirements for participation
-
Technical level: intermediate to advanced
- Language: Englisch
In this year’s workshop we’re going to focus on performance… from song selection to performing on stage.
Instrumental Heads
Learn to play some of the most famous blues instrumental heads on the harmonica. From Jimmy Smith’s “Chicken Shack” to Little Walter’s “Off The Wall,” we’ll cover the gamut of grooves, tempos, and genres.
Blues Standards
They’re standards for a good reason—they’re great songs. In this class we’ll: list the blues standards; learn how to chart (chords and the sequence of events in a song); identify and figure out how to play the integral parts in a song on the harmonica; and strategize how to keep things consistent, but interesting throughout a song.
Performance Training
We’ll define the common openings, breaks, and endings, and how to play and signal them. We’ll spend time on the essential tools used to convey emotion to the audience, primarily dynamics. Lastly, we’ll practice band communication (handing off solos and making signals).
Students of all skill levels are welcome to join this series of classes, though basic bending skills will be required to play along in class.
Workshop entitles you to the following:
- Minimum 11 teaching units of 75 min. or 90 min.
- Admission to the sessions in the Kesselhaus on Wednesday
- Admission to the Harmonica Masters Concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Admission to supporting program events on all days
