All you need is a sense of rhythm

All you need is a sense of rhythm

One of the world’s most versatile harmonica players, Brendan Power, will run a five day workshop at the Whanganui UCOL Summer School of the Arts in January.

The music workshop is a new addition to the Summer School which offers 16 courses, covering most mediums, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, glass, jewellery, mosaics, textiles and design.

New Zealand-born Brendan, who is now based in the United Kingdom, is equally at ease on both the earthy blues harp as well as the sophisticated chromatic harmonica and tunes them to his own scales to create a highly original style.

He has recorded fifteen solo CDs and has performed and recorded with such artists as Sting, James Galway, Van Morrison, Paul Young, John Williams and others. His playing is heard on many Hollywood movie soundtracks and UK TV series. He features on the Jools Holland Show and tours worldwide, performing in venues such as China’s Great Hall of the People and The Kremlin.

Brendan is also an expert player of Irish traditional music and performed for three years as soloist in the Riverdance Show.

He says anyone can learn to play the harmonica. “It’s cheap to buy, easy to carry with you anywhere you go, and will give you a lot of pleasure. Once you get beyond the first steps, your friends will like it too.”

His Summer School workshop Harmonica for Everyone runs from 6 to 12 January.

On day one, the class will be divided into groups, according to ability. Beginners will work on mastering basic skills, like playing single notes, playing chordal rhythm, and bending notes. Advanced players will have tuition according to their level.

The focus will be on playing popular harmonica styles like blues and folk. There will be a gradual progression of skills throughout the week, and individual needs will be catered for. The course is suitable for everyone from absolute beginners to accomplished players. “All you need is a sense of rhythm!” says Brendan.

For further information contact Katrina Langdon 06 965 3801 extn 62000 k.langdon@ucol.ac.nz, The Summer School brochure and enrolment form can be found at www.ucol.ac.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media