RE: Wanted-Harmonica Instruction Methods for Small Children



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>I've got two boys, one nearing 7 and the other coming upon 5. I've been 
>playing harmonicas for 27 years now and want to teach them. Are there any 
>methods for teaching small children. I play both diatonic and chromatic and 
>also read music. I'd like to use it as a vehicle, also, to teach the 
>rudiments of music notation, as well, at least for the 7 year old. Although, 
>I've never played in a harmonica group, someday I hope me and my boys can 
>play together, so anyone with experience in this regard, let me know where to 
>start.
>				Yours,      	ROB FRANTZ  
>						rfrantz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I suggest you contact...	Bob Williams
				1920 Robina Avenue
				Berkley, Michigan 48072-1254
				(810) 542-5787

Bob is developing materials for teaching harmonica to young people. As new 
Executive Vice President of SPAH he is making "Youth Harmonica Education" one 
of his major projects. He wants to educate music teachers in harmonica 
instruction and get harmonica back into the schools. Give Bob a call or send 
him $3.00 for a copy of materials he has developed so far. (I think the three 
bucks barely covers copying and postage). I'm not affiliated with Bob but 
believe strongly in what he is trying to accomplish.
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You may also want to check out Hohner's Rainbow method. Package includes book, 
tape and harp. The harmonica is about the size of a ten hole diatonic - but it 
only has four, widely spaced holes. Designed for young beginners - there must 
be 3/4" between holes. The idea being to find notes easily, and being able to 
play a single note with no bleeding over to adjacent holes. The system 
(harmonica and book) use a color coded method which gradually progresses into 
standard notation. The 4 hole harmonica contains one 8 note scale, C to C.
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I have another diatonic book for kids but can't remember the title. I'll post 
info. next week if there's any interest.

                                HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Jack Ely          ely.j@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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