Joe French

I am a harmonica tutor operating in and around Luton.

There are many types of harmonica, but the two most famous are the chromatic (think "Last of the Summer Wine") and the 10-hole diatonic (think "The Old Grey Whistle Test"). Harmonica players tend to play one or the other, and the latter - also known as the blues harmonica - is the type I teach.

My tempestuous love affair with the harmonica has lasted 25 years, punctuated by several moments of infidelity on my part (guitar, keyboards, bass, accordion, didgeridoo, trombone, singing). I have played harmonica on numerous professional gigs and recordings and was one of the first "accredited blues harmonica tutors" in the UK. My musical experience has included rock, latin, reggae, jazz, folk and classical, and I am a passionate CHALLENGER of the "received wisdom" that "you can only play blues on a blues harmonica".

There is much to love about the harmonica: it's portability, cheapness and expressiveness. Many make the mistake of assuming that another virtue is that it's presumably easy to play. Uh-uh! The reason most harpists have a love-hate relationship with the harmonica is that the technical challenges are amongst the most vexing of any musical instrument. Many of us have spent years of frustration cracking nuts that could have easily been opened with the help of a good instructor, which is where I come in.

As well as playing the harp - as we like to call it - and various other instruments, I have been a freelance project management trainer for the last 4 years, and relish the challenge of helping people inspire themselves to learn new stuff, whatever that stuff might be.

I run private harmonica lessons and group workshops in Beds, Herts and Bucks, for beginner and intermediate level. Please get in touch for more info on tuition fees (which may vary depending on circumstances) and availability.

I am also available as a session musician for gigs and recordings, diary engagements allowing.