Synopsis
This instructional harmonica method book by composer and educator Blake Neely is designed for complete beginners who want a clear, engaging introduction to the diatonic harmonica. Part of the FastTrack Music Instruction series, it provides a structured, accessible path into playing, making it ideal for self-learners, hobbyists, and anyone starting their first harmonica journey.
The lessons focus on essential beginner skills such as proper embouchure, note control, and rhythm, helping new players sound confident early on. With a combination of standard notation, chord names, and musical examples, the book guides you through chords, single notes, riffs, licks, and scales while building a solid musical foundation.
Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully organized progression that balances theory with hands-on playing. The included online audio features over 70 songs and examples, allowing you to play along with a band while developing timing and musicality. The clear instructional text keeps learning approachable and motivating without overwhelming new players.
Song List
Brother Jacques Rock * Ode to Joyful Rock * Mary Had a Little Band * Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Rock Star * Take a Load Off * This Old Man * When The Saints Go Marching In * Kum-Bah-Yah * Harp Waltz * Camptown Races * For He's a Jolly Good Fellow * Joy To The World * Jam Time * Spice Up the Jam * Folk Jam * Rock Jam * Country Jam * Home on the Range * The Streets Of Laredo * Taps * Oh Susannah * Rock to My Lou * Amazing Grace * Rockin' on Old Smokey * Yankee Doodle * Down in the Valley * Auld Lang Syne * Roadkill Blues * Red River Valley * Tom Dooley * Bendy Blues * Worried Man Blues * Battle Hymn Of The Republic * When Johnny Comes Marching * St. James Infirmary * Scarborough Fair * Exit for Freedom * Unplugged Ballad * Billy B. Badd
About the Author
Blake Neely has been playing piano since he was about 4 years old, although it took a while before real audible music could be detected. His fascination with music led him to other instruments, such as the French horn, guitar, and drums, but the keyboard remains his baby. <br> Upon graduation from the University of Texas in 1991, he moved to Los Angeles to experience the music business. He licensed music for Hollywood Records and later worked for Disney Music Publishing as editor of all printed music publications. <br> An award-winning composer and author, he has written symphonies, a piano concerto, and numerous orchestral and chamber works. He is co-author of the acclaimed FastTrack series, published by Hal Leonard Corporation. <br> Blake has worked as a composer, orchestrator, arranger, copyist, engraver, musicologist, and consultant for such prominent figures as Disney, Hal Leonard Corporation, Decca Records, Hyperion Books, composers Michael Kamen and Alan Menken, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. <br> Currently living in Austin, Texas, Blake spends his free time tuning into his family: wife Elizabeth, daughter Jordan, and son Jacob. Blake is the proud owner of a Kawai grand piano and Kurzweil, Ensoniq, and E-Mu synths and samplers. You can reach Blake via e-mail at BlakeNeely@aol.com.<br /><br />Blake Neely has been playing piano since he was about 4 years old, although it took a while before real audible music could be detected. His fascination with music led him to other instruments, such as the French horn, guitar, and drums, but the keyboard remains his baby. <br> Upon graduation from the University of Texas in 1991, he moved to Los Angeles to experience the music business. He licensed music for Hollywood Records and later worked for Disney Music Publishing as editor of all printed music publications. <br> An award-winning composer and author, he has written symphonies, a piano concerto, and numerous orchestral and chamber works. He is co-author of the acclaimed FastTrack series, published by Hal Leonard Corporation. <br> Blake has worked as a composer, orchestrator, arranger, copyist, engraver, musicologist, and consultant for such prominent figures as Disney, Hal Leonard Corporation, Decca Records, Hyperion Books, composers Michael Kamen and Alan Menken, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. <br> Currently living in Austin, Texas, Blake spends his free time tuning into his family: wife Elizabeth, daughter Jordan, and son Jacob. Blake is the proud owner of a Kawai grand piano and Kurzweil, Ensoniq, and E-Mu synths and samplers. You can reach Blake via e-mail at BlakeNeely@aol.com.
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