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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)
Item: MH1001      Instructor: Les McCurdy
Sessions: 4       STC Sarasota Bldg 3 Rm 3-203
Tu 3/3/2026 - 3/31/2026        Location: 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM     
Fee: $75.00                    


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.

 

 

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

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Address: 4748 Beneva Road | Sarasota, Florida 34233 | Map it.

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