[Harp-L] Study the HARMONICA, earn Applied Music Credit at the University of Lynchburg

[Dr. George Miklas]

Attention Harp-L Readers:
Do you know of any young and upcoming harmonica players considering options
to pursue a college education and study the harmonica for credit toward
their degree program? That was me in high school. I was an emerging
professional harmonica artist who exhausted a search for a college or
university to study the harmonica. There were none.

Today, there is ONE university in the United States of America where you
can earn Applied Music Credit to study the harmonica! - The University of
Lynchburg <https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/music/>,
is located in beautiful Central Virginia amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains
and the Shenandoah Valley.

Beginning Fall 2022
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Harmonica students will study with a world-renowned performer, teacher, and
adjudicator, Dr. George Wallace Miklas, who has played the harmonica since
four years old and professionally since high school. At 19 years old, he
joined Jerry Murad's Harmonicats (trio), and at 20 years old, the
Harmonicats were accompanied by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for two
performances. Dr. Miklas has performed across America, plus Canada,
Germany, and Taiwan. He has earned a Master's degree in Harmonica
Performance and his Doctorate research was focused on teaching harmonica in
public school music education to increase the inclusion of students with
disabilities in the instrumental curriculum (click here for abstract or
download <https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3671/>).
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You will be required to own only two standard harmonicas and maintain them
in good working condition.
1. 12-hole, solo-tuned, Chromatic Harmonica in the Key of C. Examples
include

   - Hohner Discovery 48
   - Hohner 270
   - Hohner CX-12
   - Hohner Amadeus,
   - or equivalent (please contact Professor Miklas).


2. 10-hole, Richter-tuned, Diatonic Harmonica in the key of C. Examples
include

   - Hohner Special 20
   - Hohner Rocket
   - Hohner Rocket AMP
   - Hohner Marine Band
   - or equivalent (please contact Professor Miklas).


The total cost for both instruments (Discovery48 and Special20) will be
approximately $250.
You may use instruments you already own or are handed down from family
members.
Please consult with Professor Miklas to help to determine suitability.
------------------------
The Applied Music – Harmonica curriculum will be individualized to your
current playing level, and instruction will be paced according to your
growth. Daily practice and end-of-semester jury will be required.
The Applied Music – Harmonica course will cover many musical concepts and
topics, including:

   - Reading standard musical notation
   - Major and minor scales and arpeggios
   - Decoding chord symbols for improvisation
   - Understanding melody, harmony, and accompaniment on the harmonica.
   - Aural training and 'playing by ear'
   - Modes, a.k.a. church modes
   - Introduction to genres Baroque, Classical, Pop, Country, Rock, Blues,
   and Jazz
   - Specially tuned harmonicas
   - Orchestral harmonicas
   - Harmonica Concerti
   - Harmonica Big Band
   - Harmonica Orchestras
   - Harmonica Maintenance

------------------------
For more information, contact:
Dr. George Wallace Miklas, Adjunct Music Professor, University of Lynchburg
MIKLAS_G at xxxxx

Doctoral Thesis: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3671/



[image: UofL 01.JPG]
[image: UofL 05.JPG]
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*Dr. George Miklas <http://www.georgemiklas.com/>, **Harmonica Specialist
- **Scholar, **Educator, **Performer*
*Harmonica Gallery Sales Repair & Studio <http://www.harmonicagallery.com/>*
Doctoral Thesis: Harmonica Pedagogy for the Full Inclusion Instrumental
Music Classroom, Expanding Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
<https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3671/>
Adjunct Music Professor - Applied Tuba and Applied Harmonica, University of
Lynchburg