Harp Tech Instruction

If you want to learn the most efficient ways to work on your harmonicas in record time, consider studying harmonica technology or music with me at my shop in Boalsburg PA. This is by far the fastest way to learn how to take control of your harmonicas. For more information contact me and I will put you in my schedule.

I also teach harmonica technology via webcam, email, and phone consultations. I can supply you with drawings related to your specific questions, evaluate your harmonicas, and generally support your efforts as you work on your instruments.

Many of my students have ended up changing the way they play the instrument as part of the process of learning how to work on them. If there is any question that the way you are playing the instrument is throwing off your tuning, the response of the reeds, or shortening the life of your harps, we can figure this out and correct it.

Testimonials:

Richard, I wasn’t sure what to expect while flying across the mountains from Missoula Montana to Boalsburg Pennsylvania to meet with you. I really wanted to get a basic understanding of how harmonicas work as well as how to tune and enhance them. I’ve played on and off for nearly 40 yrs. and thought I knew something, but the 3 days I spent with you in your shop really opened my eyes to a whole new world. The techniques you taught me on reed positioning, (which seems more art than science) were especially valuable. Explaining just intonation vs. equal temperment, overbend techniques, reed plate customsing, I could go on and on. The trip was not only educational but really fun. Watching you perform at the local farmers market was a real treat. It was an up close and personal learning experience on all the possibilities that a customized harp offers as well as the pleasure of playing a well tuned instrument. I am already thinking about coming back! Thanks again,

Jerry King, Missoula, Montana, March 12, 2012

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I have been playing Richard Sleigh’s harps for years  (and believe me, I ain’t gettin’ ’em for free!!). But even though I’ve spent a chunk of change on them and had to wait a long time for some of them, I’ve never regretted the investment that I made.  Playing music is what gives me some of my highest highs, and these harps have taken me to places that I didn’t know I could go to. For example, I fell in love instantly with his low D for fiddle tunes, and it completely changed that game for me – and it is so much kinder to my neighbor’s pets than the standard D, to boot… I play a wide range of styles from Blues to Old Timey, standards, and Richard has dialed in the harps for my needs and then some. They are extremely even in their response from reed to reed, and when it comes to playing bends and overbends, it feels like I have power steering. They are WAY more playable than any production harp or other custom harp I’ve tried.

In the past few years I have also studied with Richard at his shop and I’ve been using his tools as well, and my sense of control over this part of my musical life has increased immensely. Working directly with Richard has been a series of breakthroughs and his tools just make tuning so much easier that I look forward to it (sometimes). I have even gotten good at replacing reeds, and it really makes it easier to know that Richard will bail me out if worst comes to worst.

Trip Henderson ~ New York, NY
http://www.myspace.com/triphenderson

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“I greatly enjoyed working with Richard. I had a lot of ah-ha moments as Richard cleared up one mystery after another with his demonstrations and explanations. Watching a master technician at work and being able to ask questions on the spot is so easy and fun that I did not realize how much I was learning until later on. We worked on a wide variety of harps including XB-40s, chromatics and standard diatonics, and Richard’s approach seemed direct and right on for all of them.

Being able to try things out immediately and then have them critiqued gave me a chance to do an on the spot reality check on what was actually sinking in and uncover more questions and clarifications.

Whether it was routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or just to get a better understanding of the principles which make these instruments work, I found the instruction invaluable. Learning from Richard was a rewarding experience that gave me the confidence to go beyond basic repair to trying out some of my own customizing ideas.”

I was fortunate to have spent two weekends with Richard at times when he had gigs in nearby State College, PA (Penn State Univ). Working by day and enjoying great music at night was the perfect combination if it can be arranged.

I hope to return again to take advantage of Richard’s experience as a harmonica instructor as well as have him critique some of the customizing work I have done since my last visit.”

Terry Dyroff
Silver Spring, MD

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“I consider myself pretty mechanically inclined and thought I knew my way around a harp before our session. Boy was I wrong! I didn’t know how much I needed to learn until Richard showed me his invaluable techniques and tips.

I just finished my first “on my own” harp tuning session. Wow what a difference in the sound… I can’t say enough about the value of the techniques and tips he shared with me. Run
don’t walk to the master!”

George Barnabic
Indian Mills, NJ

Harmonica Instruction

Here is how I approach coaching / teaching harmonica: I want you to learn to breathe right and get rhythm!

Your power comes from your core. You can’t play the harmonica (or sing) with authority until you control your from the bottom of the lungs up. It is more than diaphragm breathing, because you are coordinating other muscle groups in the core of your body.

A lot of harp players don’t get how important breathing technique is. I was clueless about this for a long time. Most of the breath control I did have came from trying to play Sonny Terry chord rhythms. That helped a lot. but I didn’t really know what I was doing. I had to go outside the harmonica community to really start getting a handle on breath control.

Using your core body muscles to support your breathing makes you centered, relaxed, and focused.

I can work with you on Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Fiddle tunes, and other American Roots music, and rack harp with guitar.

I am available for one on one sessions at my shop, and the other way I work with people is by trading emails that have mp3 recordings. This frees you and me from dealing with schedules, and is a great way to have a conversation and exchange ideas. Plus I can send you exercises tailor made for you.

Recording and sending mp3s in simple. If you need help, send me a quick email and I’ll get you the easiest way to do it.

If this speaks to you, contact me for information on harmonica lessons.

I specialize in diatonic harmonica. I also play guitar and harmonica on the rack extensively and can show you all sorts of ways to speed up your progress in that area.

Contact me today to get started!