With this site it is my aim to inspire you while you learn to improvise on this wonderful instrument. Jazz harmonica in a really musical way with creativity that comes from the heart.

How to play jazz harmonica?

With videos and mp3s in which I share my ideas with you but also with videos that show you how to apply common jazz practices to the harmonica. So you will learn how to develop your jazz harmonica playing technique and how to improvise in a way that is a lot of fun,highly inspirational and will develop your creativity!

Is it really for free?

Yes, most of the site consists of posted articles, mp3s and videos that is completely for free for registered members. And over the years, this site evolve into an immense resource for all levels of playing and all musical styles that are improvisation related! Jazz and Brazilian Music being the current starting point. Only the master classes are not for free. A master class is a +/- 40 minute video of my playing and explaining a specific tune, musical concept, etc. As a Free Member you can purchase access to the master class you think interesting for you.

I strongly encourage to use this site as a basic teaching aid but also take lessons with a “human/real” teacher As a Free Member, you’ll have the facility to book online Skype classes with me through an automated scheduling system. This way this site can be used as a source of inspiration and through Skype I can give you further personal directions.

 

What about “effortless harmonica”?

Effortless Harmonica was the site I started in january 2011. Since 2012, that same site became JazzHarmonica.org. Since the topics are much broader then harmonica playing techniques, this new name better reflects the content. Anyhow, jazz harmonica is still too narrow … would be better to call it something like “inspiration for improvising musicians”… .

Can I achieve all this?

Yes, there are methods of obtaining the basic competences that will lead you to great musicianship. “If you can talk, you can play.” is what Kenny Werner states in his excellent book “Effortless Mastery”. A great inspirational source for me to create this website for you.

How can I achieve real musicianship?
By mastering simple things to such a level that you can execute them without thinking. And, by removing some psychological mechanisms (thoughts in your head, muscle tension, … ) that can limit you to have fun playing and studying.

So, my aim is that you have fun with this wonderful journey of learning to play the harmonica and to use at as an instrument to create wonderful improvised music.

Warm regards,

Wim Dijkgraaf