Winslow Yerxa
About
I tailor instruction to your needs and goals, and put my knowledge and expertise in service of your development.
I am one of the world's leading experts on the harmonica and have over 20 years' teaching experience.
I'm the author of the books Harmonica For Dummies and Blues Harmonica For Dummies.
I'm the producer of the Harmonica Collective teaching event, in partnership with famed harmonica player Jason Ricci.
I'm a past president of SPAH, the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica.
I'm the 2016 recipient of SPAH's Pete Pedersen Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors not only excellence in playing, but also teaching and service to the harmonica community.
I enjoy helping each student develop his or her abilities, understanding, and joy in playing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I find out what inspires or motivates them, and what they'd like to achieve. Next, I find out their present level of experience and understanding. Then we begin the work of moving along the path to their goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm university trained in music performance, theory, and composition. For harmonica knowledge, but I'm constantly reading, researching, and talking with other professionals in all aspects of this field. Just as important, I'm always learning from my students how to be a more effective and exciting teacher.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My hourly rate is $40 for a one-hour lesson in my own San Francisco studio or for online. For shorter sessions, I offer 20-minute lessons for $30 and 45-minute lessons for $25.
On Saturdays I teach private lessons and scheduled group classes at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley. my rate there is $50 for a one-hour lesson.
For scheduled group classes, please check out https://cjc.edu/classes-for-adults/instrumental-courses/beginning-diatonic-harmonica/
How did you get started teaching?
I started by teaching myself - I had to! Very little information was available back then. I realized I could help others with the knowledge I had gained by organizing my own understanding and developing my skills. Now, I'm doing what I've wanted to do since I was a teenager, the most natural and fulfilling work I could imagine.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with people of all ages and abilities who want to learn to play and understand music. My youngest student is an 11-year-old multi-instrumentalist playing Bollywood songs, and my oldest students are in their 70s. Some want to be pros, others just want to play for fun.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently got together with four other harmonica players, one of them a world-famous performer and inventor of new harmonica gadgets who was visting from England. We spent an afternoon catching up, trying out different harmonicas and new inventions. That evening we sat in with a jazz band in a pizza parlor and traded licks. Lots of fun, and great catching up with old friends!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Seek someone who can give clear, helpful answers to simple questions and shows a willingness to help you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What would you like to do that you can't do now? What challenges or problems are you facing that you'd like me to help you with? Do you have time in your busy life to devote to learning a new skill?