I’ve been playing wind instruments for a few years, always learning and growing, started at age 60. I just picked up a Hohner Bluesband at a thrift store for $1. I’ve known about harmonicas for many years, but first time ever trying one. I’m in love with making these sounds myself! I’ll purchase an upgrade model and get going! Will investigate your school! Everything you said about being a beginner, enjoying the process, comparison, etc, is everything I’ve learned with wooden flutes too. Music learning points are universal with all instruments. Take everything Tomlin said to heart, it’s real. ❤
I just turned 70 and I joined Tomlinson Harmonica School almost 4 years ago. I am at the Advanced Intermediate level now and learning the harmonica was one of the best decisions I have taken in my life. So much fun. Learned so much about the Blues and music in general.
NO, NO, NO your not. I'm nearly 80 now & the Harp helped me recover from a serious breakdown a few years ago. I can now play several songs/tunes by memory, mainly non blues, I now play in some care homes for those less fortunate than myself. I just wish that I had started earlier. The Harp is great because being such a small instrument you can take it with you almost anywhere.
Thanks Tomlin, I started learning the harmonica about five months ago and can now play quite a few old favourite hymns and song. It has helped me with breathing exercises. I turn seventy in three weeks time. Also, I’ve not played any other instrument other than tinkering on a keyboard.
I learn the harmonica diatonic 10 holes more for healthy blow and draw lung exercises. This also helps me in singing using diaphragmatic breathing to support my singing voice. All these breathing exercises are good for elderly people and those with COPD health issues. I find my breathing did improved and I don't run out of breath easily when climbing stairs or playing games.
We're so used to conflating age with experience that we will lean towards being harder on ourselves when we fluff up at the beginner level, forget that and keep practising 👍
There is always someone better than you and someone not as good as you. So it doesn't matter, what's important is that you enjoy and apply yourself. I used to play table tennis and at the venue where I went it was open to the public and I noticed some people playing ping pong, really slow and simple but they appeared to be having just as much fun and enjoyment as us, with all our clever spin and speed and ability and physical exertion. So by analogy it is not important what level you are at but rather your enjoyment and application, looking to improve and expand yes, but also pleased with what you have accomplished. My daughter is classified as disabled and she plays the recorder. She cannot read music and her technical ability is limited. Sometimes she sounds really very good, sometimes a bit repetitive and restricted but she absolutely loves it. Need I say any more?
I don't know why but no matter what i do i cant seem to be able to play the notes on number 8,9, and 10, everytime i draw air from them they create shrieking sound no matter what, i am only able to do them is when i play those standalone and with prep but in between songs? no i just can't
🎵 Just starting out on harmonica? Join my FREE Blues Harmonica Foundation Course here 👉 foxly.link/p5ugYk
I’ve been playing wind instruments for a few years, always learning and growing, started at age 60. I just picked up a Hohner Bluesband at a thrift store for $1. I’ve known about harmonicas for many years, but first time ever trying one. I’m in love with making these sounds myself! I’ll purchase an upgrade model and get going! Will investigate your school!
Everything you said about being a beginner, enjoying the process, comparison, etc, is everything I’ve learned with wooden flutes too. Music learning points are universal with all instruments. Take everything Tomlin said to heart, it’s real. ❤
I am 65, from India , started and purchased a 12 hole chromatic harmonica last month. Very nice tutorials.
Thanks
I just turned 70 and I joined Tomlinson Harmonica School almost 4 years ago. I am at the Advanced Intermediate level now and learning the harmonica was one of the best decisions I have taken in my life. So much fun. Learned so much about the Blues and music in general.
Started learning to play last year at 83. This year I'm getting good enough to do some backing of local music groups. You can do it.
NO, NO, NO your not. I'm nearly 80 now & the Harp helped me recover from a serious breakdown a few years ago. I can now play several songs/tunes by memory, mainly non blues, I now play in some care homes for those less fortunate than myself. I just wish that I had started earlier. The Harp is great because being such a small instrument you can take it with you almost anywhere.
Good lesson Tomlin, i am playing flute for last 4 years and harmonica for last 8 months, enjoying both . I am 70 now❤
Thanks Tomlin, I started learning the harmonica about five months ago and can now play quite a few old favourite hymns and song. It has helped me with breathing exercises. I turn seventy in three weeks time. Also, I’ve not played any other instrument other than tinkering on a keyboard.
I think you're THE BEST TEACHER. I struggled till I found your lessons ! From the birthplace of jazz, Kansas City!
Aw thank you!!
I learn the harmonica diatonic 10 holes more for healthy blow and draw lung exercises. This also helps me in singing using diaphragmatic breathing to support my singing voice. All these breathing exercises are good for elderly people and those with COPD health issues. I find my breathing did improved and I don't run out of breath easily when climbing stairs or playing games.
Thanks, I'm 52 this is encouraging 😊
Not comparing ourselves to others is probably the number one tip! for me...😊
We're so used to conflating age with experience that we will lean towards being harder on ourselves when we fluff up at the beginner level, forget that and keep practising 👍
There is always someone better than you and someone not as good as you.
So it doesn't matter, what's important is that you enjoy and apply yourself.
I used to play table tennis and at the venue where I went it was open to the public and I noticed some people playing ping pong, really slow and simple but they appeared to be having just as much fun and enjoyment as us, with all our clever spin and speed and ability and physical exertion.
So by analogy it is not important what level you are at but rather your enjoyment and application, looking to improve and expand yes, but also pleased with what you have accomplished.
My daughter is classified as disabled and she plays the recorder. She cannot read music and her technical ability is limited. Sometimes she sounds really very good, sometimes a bit repetitive and restricted but she absolutely loves it. Need I say any more?
Thank You, Tomlin, I‘m 69 and this is very encouraging!
Great thumbnail!
I don't know why but no matter what i do i cant seem to be able to play the notes on number 8,9, and 10, everytime i draw air from them they create shrieking sound no matter what, i am only able to do them is when i play those standalone and with prep but in between songs? no i just can't
At the age of 64 just trying to learn the harmonic it sounds like a cats chorus
Never mind I’m having fun 😂
I am 73 and can play melodies with single notes but struggle playing blues “melodies “. Seems like it’s tough to grasp the blues concept.
Couldn't agree more and I'm a year older than you, not that a year makes much differencwe😊
I need to quit smoking, my breath control is terrible
After 3 years of trying I have finally come to the conclusion that I am a listener not a player
Good lesson Tomlin, i am playing flute for last 4 years and harmonica for last 8 months, enjoying both . I am 70 now❤