C
Offers online services
About
Hello. I am a professional harmonica player, singer and bandleader with decades of experience as a performer and instructor. I can help with the basics as well as intermediate and advanced levels of harmonica playing. I can also help performance tips and repertoire development. I prefer on-line instruction. I am a retired high school and college teacher. Many of my students have become active performers and have gained from the health benefits of playing harmonica as well. I can definitely help to achieve your musical goals
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Reviews
5.0
11 reviews
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JAL
julie a L.
Carlos listened to me. I wanted to learn something specific in a very short period (Sweet
Home Chicago). He meticulously taught me the basics and encouraged me every step of
the way. He went out of his way to give me lessons that led me to play well with my band.
Carlos is generous with his time and expertise. If you need to choose a teac... Show more
Home Chicago). He meticulously taught me the basics and encouraged me every step of
the way. He went out of his way to give me lessons that led me to play well with my band.
Carlos is generous with his time and expertise. If you need to choose a teac... Show more
September 19, 2024
•Hired on Lessons
LV
lony V.
hi everyone Im from Japan and I just want to share my experience working lessons with sir
carlos, first of all, harmonica is my first instrument, I always watch youtube videos about it
until I tried searching some online lessons and here I met sir carlos he is a great teacher
because he teaches me first to learn the basics and how to play the harmoni... Show more
carlos, first of all, harmonica is my first instrument, I always watch youtube videos about it
until I tried searching some online lessons and here I met sir carlos he is a great teacher
because he teaches me first to learn the basics and how to play the harmoni... Show more
September 01, 2024
PS
peter S.
Carlos has a wealth of information in relation to his musical journeys and experience. He is
a fine musician and a wonderful instructor. We meet up online once per week and I go over
the material Ive been taught from the previous week. He makes suggestions and then
introduces more material, so the learning journey keeps going. An interesting... Show more
a fine musician and a wonderful instructor. We meet up online once per week and I go over
the material Ive been taught from the previous week. He makes suggestions and then
introduces more material, so the learning journey keeps going. An interesting... Show more
July 17, 2024
JG
josel G.
Carlos Zialcita’s teaching style is truly exceptional. He takes the time to converse and get
to know your musical preferences and moods, creating a personalized learning
experience. Unlike typical teachers who simply shove notes and patterns for you to master,
Carlos emphasizes expression as a vital aspect of music. His stories and conv... Show more
to know your musical preferences and moods, creating a personalized learning
experience. Unlike typical teachers who simply shove notes and patterns for you to master,
Carlos emphasizes expression as a vital aspect of music. His stories and conv... Show more
June 18, 2024
JAA
jonathan a. A.
Well, he talks, do the lessons and shows what to do Are very important to me. He’s a
Musical teacher who Will help you out whenever you can just for a little bit To be a good
Musical artist.
Musical teacher who Will help you out whenever you can just for a little bit To be a good
Musical artist.
June 15, 2024
GJ
georgia J.
Carlos is patient, thorough, and always write out your lesson.. He makes sure you
understand the material. I enjoy Carlos teaching style. In fact, let me schedule another
harmonica lesson
understand the material. I enjoy Carlos teaching style. In fact, let me schedule another
harmonica lesson
June 15, 2024
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I answer any questions they may have about the harmonica, different types, where to purchase one. Ask what style or genre of music they are interested in. Suggest what type of harmonica they should consider using, especially as a beginner.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied at the California Jazz Academy in Berkeley as well as a Master Class with classicsal chromatic harmonica artist Robert Bonfiglio at Stanford University and private lessons with jazz harmonica player and recording artist Donald Bailey. I am a former faculty member at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music and at StageBridge Performance Academy for Seniors in Oakland, CA. I am a retired high school teacher (computers) and college instructor (history of jazz and blues). My jazz and blues performance skills were acquired through over 50 years of working in bands as a harmonica player, singer, recording / touring artist and bandleader.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30 for a 1 hour lesson
$25 for a 45 min lesson
$20 for a 30 min lesson
How did you get started teaching?
When I first started teaching harmonica - there were very few teachers. I was primarily self-taught. People would ask me at performances if I gave lessons. I took on a few students, but my teaching skils improved a lot more after I started teaching computers at Adult School and High School. I realized how much I enjoyed teaching. I also began a more serious study of the harmonica
What types of students have you worked with?
A wide range. As young as 10 - as old as 85. Students with respiratory illnesses. Retired seniors that always wanted to play harmonica. Students already playing harmonica in bands but wanted to improve their performance skills and develop their repertoire
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent television show in the city of Manila, Philippines where I spoke about the harmonica and gave a performance.
A nightclub performance with an excellent jazz band where one of my students joined me on stage. I also had several students in the audience.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be honest about your skill level. Think about what kind of music you want to play or songs you want to learn. Think about artists you like that you may want to emulate.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your goal. What is your budget. Is their a time frame within which you want to accomplish this goal. Are you comfortable working online?
Services offered
Harmonica