Intermediate Folk and Blues Harmonica

The Intermediate Folk and Blues Harmonica Workshop is for players already able to hit single notes reasonably well and bend them, as well as play simple recognizable songs. You are asked to bring at least one harmonica, a “C” key diatonic “blues” harmonica. Bring other keys you may own as well!

We will reviewing selected past masters on the instrument and be digging into useful techniques like deep bending, slurs, warbles, throat vibrato, octaves, simple arpeggios and selected “chops,” as well as microphone holding approaches, and combining these varied techniques into harp solos that draw admiration and applause!

Students are encouraged to make cell phone recordings of individual segments of the practice exercises to work with at home.

Kyle Keilman has been teaching harmonica for over 50 years. He joined the Artichoke Teachers faculty in 2024 and has also performed onstage solo and with others at The Artichoke listening room venue.