[Harp-L] Program

[Vern]

There is no way that beginners will learn to play a melody in the first session. You are not teaching a class that came to learn the harmonica, you are soliciting spontaneous participation. You want something so simple that almost anyone can “get it” within a few seconds.

I suggest “Down in the Valley" because It has only two chords, C (blow) and G (draw) on a C diatonic.    “Wheels” is more up-beat and has only two beats of the bridge on the F chord. Perhaps Harp-l correspondents can suggest other two-chord songs that you may like better.

Amplified, you sing and play the melody on your harmonica with many repeats. 

Tell them to blow when you point towards yourself and draw when you point towards them.  Tell them to use the left end of their harmonicas.  Practice a little before you start the song.

This will be simple for them, they will be playing the correct chords, it will give them a sense of participation, and it hopefully won’t sound too bad musically.

Good luck,

Vern

On Oct 1, 2018, at 5:54 PM, <donkneal at xxxxx> <donkneal at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> I've been asked to provide harmonica entertainment at an upcoming senior
> citizens meeting.  I want to provide the group with harmonicas, and "try" to
> teach them to play a simple song.  Does anyone have a suggestion for a "fun"
> song that could be learned in a short amount of time?
> 
>