Course Catalog > THE ARTS > Harmonica Offered by Les McCurdy of McCurdy's Comedy Theatre & Humor Institute

Harmonica Offered by Les McCurdy of McCurdy's Comedy Theatre & Humor Institute

Les McCurdy started playing harmonica at the age of 16 just after his parents divorced. It is funny how this instrument seems to be picked up as a place of comfort for many people going through a challenging point in their personal life. There is something very intimate about it — how it allows you to express a variety of emotions while keeping you in control and in touch. Les primarily learned his blues technique from watching and talking to great blues artists while living in Memphis from 1973 to 1980. He was blessed to be the stage manager for the first major Beale Street Blues Festival in 1977. He had the opportunity to play with many of the great blues and southern rock artists performing in Memphis during that time, such as Albert King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Furry Lewis, and Roy Buchanan. mccurdyscomedy.com

For course description, click on the course title below. Hover on instructor name for biography.

Basic Blues Harmonica (Req'd: Harmonica in Key of A) Class already in session...it is possible that the teacher may allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.

Item: MH1002 Les McCurdy

Tu 1/24/2023 - 2/14/2023

Meeting place:
Les McCurdy’s Harmonica class will meet at Suncoast Technical College on Tuesday January 24 and Tuesday February 14. January 31 and February 7 classes meet at McCurdy's - 1923 Ringling Blvd., 34236, one block west of US 301 and Ringling

Material(s) : Students need a harp in the Key of A. Hohner harps are about $35 to $40. Some have wood inserts and some have plastic. The plastic lasts longer and is easier to play. Les McCurdy uses the Hohner Special 20 Harp and is what he suggests. Hohner has a Beginner Blues Band Harp for $6 which would work ok and if someone is on a tight budget that is the way to go. If they get the $6 Harp and they aren't happy with it then they are only out a few bucks and can go ahead and pick up the Special 20. Fogts Music on South Trail or Sam Ash near the Airport will have them.

Register early to avoid disappointment, as classes will fill up quickly!

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