Master the harmonica in ten weeks at Band on the Wall

Ever imagined yourself as a travelling bluesman, playing a tune on your harmonica against the backdrop of a setting sun along an endless railroad? Well even if you’re too embarrassed to admit it, you can still indulge your musical fantasy with a ten-week course in harmonica playing at Band on the Wall. With two groups – one for beginners keen to learn the basics and develop their skills, another for intermediate and advanced players who want to brush up and improve their technique – there’s something for everyone in the sessions, led by acclaimed blues and Irish traditional harmonica player Mat Walklate. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of the mouth organ along with some simple country and blues numbers. For those in the advanced class, more complicated tunes will be taught along with techniques, such as note bending, and some aspects of music theory. Materials (such as manuscripts) will be provided but you do need your own harmonica – see link below for details of where to get yours.

From Tue 8 Jan, Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, M4 5JZ. Tel: 0161 830 3884, beginners 6.30pm – 7.30pm, intermediate & advanced 7.30pm – 8.30pm, £65 /£45, www.bandonthewall.org