School of the Blues
David Barrett Harmonica
David Barrett is not only the owner of School of the Blues and president of the Harmonica Masterclass Company, he's the world's most published author of blues harmonica lesson material. The Harmonica Masterclass Company specializes in harmonica products and workshops for blues harmonica around the world. His last large workshop had twenty-six states and eight countries represented in attendance (250 Attendees). David has over 60 book/CD sets and seven videos published through Mel Bay Publications. David also writes a monthly column for Blues Revue Magazine called "Right On The Number" and is the editor and contributing writer to Mel Bay's HarmonicaSession.com. David is the only author to ever write a comprehensive lesson series for all stages of a harmonica player's training; he has truly revolutionized the way the harmonica is taught.

David performs regularly in the California Bay Area (San Francisco Blues Festival, Monterey Bay Blues Festival, etc.) and abroad (Chicago, Japan, etc.). Recently David played in the Mark Hummel Blues Harmonica Blowouts featuring James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, Mark Hummel and David. Through the years David has worked or played with Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Lee Oskar, Rod Piazza, James Harman, James Cotton, Gary Smith, Andy Just, Mark Ford, Billy Boy Arnold, Rick Estrin, Paul deLay, Jerry Portnoy, Gary Primich, Howard Levy, Magic Dick, Tom Ball, Sonny Jr., Annie Raines, Paul Oscher, Phil Wiggins, Brendan Power, Sam Myers, Snooky Pryor, Rob Paparozzi, Dennis Gruenling, Carlos del Junco, Mitch Kashmar, Joe Filisko, Jason Ricci, Lazy Lester, John Mayall, Kim Wilson, Jr. Watson, Nick Moss, Steve Freund, Johnny Cat, Rusty Zinn and John Garcia. He now fronts the School of the Blues All-star Band featuring John Garcia on guitar and vocals. His latest CDs are Serious Fun and We Are The Blues with guitarist/singer John Garcia.

If you are interested in starting lessons with David Barrett click the sign-up button on the left column to see his lesson rate, available dates and contact him.

What students have to say about lessons with David Barrett
"As with most disciplines, skilled practitioners aren't too hard to find. On the other hand, finding a great musician who is also a gifted teacher is a rare gift. David Barrett is an outstanding teacher. He "hears" amazingly fast - he knows exactly what is going on inside my mouth, even when I don't. He is able to describe corrective actions or new techniques in multiple ways, finding a way so that I will "get it". He is willing to adapt to my pace and style of learning. But he also provides the discipline and motivation I need to push myself, and to focus on a small number of challenges at one time. He constantly pushes me just a little ahead of where I'm comfortable, and I have improved significantly in a very short period of time. I look forward to each lesson." Greg Heumann

"I was stuck in one of those ruts where I was playing the same old licks. In just a few lessons David Barrett not only took me to the next level but gave me the ability, confidence, and understanding to take myself to even greater levels beyond my expectations. David Barrett put me on the right track and offered the feedback necessary to point me in the right direction. His teaching style makes it easy for anyone to understand the instrument and improve, regardless of what level they are currently at!" Mark Fenichel

"My approach to the instrument, tone and overall quality of playing, acoustically and amplified, have improved vastly with Dave Barrett's teaching and Harmonica Masterclass workshops. In my opinion teachers don't get much better than Dave." Jeff Rosendale

"Thanks again for working me in for a lesson on July 26 when we were in Cal. I have now begun the long process of working on the ton of stuff you crammed in that two hours. I bet you saved me about 10 years or so. You have a real talent for communicating your vast knowledge." Bill Clifton

"After struggling on my own with mail-order material, I was fortunate to find David Barrett in Morgan Hill. I appreciated his ability to teach the techniques required to play the blues in a systematic fashion that balanced a formal music background with the improvised style of the blues. I made very rapid progress with David and recommend him without reservation to anyone seeking to improve their tone and technical repertoire. His books are the best at incorporating music theory and blues and are for those seeking a rigorous approach to learning the harmonica as an instrument." Dr. Steven Scates

"I use my journey into learning the harmonica as a metaphor for the learning process. I think it is good for my kids to watch me work at something, struggle, and then master it. I think that it helps my teaching of residents and medical students, reminding me what it is like to learn something that does not seem all that hard after you have mastered it. I know about good teaching and bad. You are a superb teacher. I, the student, am better for having spent time with you." Robert Byrd, MD, MPH

Second photo by http://www.shorbo.com/. Thanks Shorbo.

“My hour lessons with David Barrett are top notch. I can’t imagine a better harmonica teacher anywhere. The material is so clear and useful, especially for the advanced and intermediate student. No one has the material to the extent Dave has. I mean, he wrote the books, literally.” Jon Harl

“It is easy to waste passion and aptitude for music by struggling with cryptic learning material or lessons that are unfocused or untailored to the student. My lessons at School of the Blues [with David Barrett] have changed my efforts to the highest possible efficiency, and improvements have exceeded my hopes.” James Baker (Advanced/Professional)

“I have played harmonica for 35 years and was a reasonably competent player before I took lessons from David Barrett. For a deceptively simple instrument, Dave has revealed intricacies of technique that I never knew existed, and in a short year has elevated my playing to new levels. He does it all with modesty and good humor, qualities not always associated with a great harp player!” George E. Bisharat (Professional)

“I originally started with David so I could learn a few acoustic blues numbers to play for friends at backyard barbeques. Since then a new world of harmonica playing has been opened up to me. What I once thought of as a cool, but limited instrument is now the means to the ultimate in musical expression. With Dave coaching you, the learning will never stop.” Gary Hayes (Advanced/Professional)

“The lessons are optimally focused and tailored for maximum benefit on practically every occasion. Little time is wasted on areas of marginal benefit; conversely, the lessons tend to deal with the most important areas in need of improvement. In summary, the lessons are highly relevant. David has a clarity of expression characteristically absent from music teachers I have had.” James Baker (Advanced/Professional)

San Jose, California
408-224-2936
Instruction For:
School of the Blues
Information:
A School For the Private Study of Blues and All the Styles it Influenced.