Go get the blues

The renowned blues maestro Corky Siegel’s self-paced class is designed for all the hopeless beginners who don’t think they can play music

Arguably the world's greatest blues harmonica player, Corky Siegel would have continued playing the tenor saxophone, were it not for his friends and form factor. Drummer and music composer Dan Glicken and folk singer Bob Buchanan, suggested he try the pocket-friendly harmonica, and soon, the blues got him. Somewhere between convenience and the musical genre, sits inspiration from Bob Dylan. Siegel has distilled 55 years of his experience into an online learning class in association with SaPa India (The Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts).

"This course was developed to be of value to the hopeless beginners who don't think they can play music," says Siegel. "It is designed to offer an experience of deep musical expression and connection to the beginners right off the bat. No months of waiting before they learn a song, and then learn how to make it into music." He believes that if the participant gets goosebumps while playing an instrument, they will never want to put it down.

"Some people might be discouraged by the challenges," he adds, "and I want to avoid those challenges so that students experience the joy of music easily. The course is also for experts because of its unique perspective. It offers valuable information even to the genius."

The class has over six modules of videos, learning material, musical activities, and tips to guide learners on their musical quest. It is self-paced with 24 videos that shed light on topics such as how to hold the harmonica, its dynamics, rhythm, blues, and everything else you need to know to play like a pro.

"While you are learning how to play the harmonica," says the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement award winner, "you will simultaneously learn something of even greater importance: The secrets of musical expression."

And really isn't self-expression the goal of learning any instrument?

WHAT: Self-paced harmonica class
WHERE: Online
PRICE: Rs 1,299
TO REGISTER: sapaindia.com