Harmonica in the Elementary Music ClassroomPerformance Research ProjectComprehensive Musicianship

Summer 2014Linda Kwan and Mildred Yi

Columbia University

Performance

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach(excerpt)

Transcribed for Two-Part C Harmonica

RationaleRationale 1:

Personal Connection

Teaching for Elementary Music ClassFosters Inclusive/Accessible Classrooms Portable Instrument Affordable Instrument Requires Minimal Fine Motor Skills Ease of Success for All Levels of Learning

RationaleRationale 2:

Harmonica for Elementary School Music Methods

Effective tool for teaching basic musicianship to Liberal Studies Majors planning to be elementary teachers

Beginning instrument to all levels of music experience

Less common instrument in music method courses

Kinesthetically accessible for early music success for adults

Background

Harmonica

Free reed wind instrumentUsed in variety of musical genres

Harmonica in variety of musical genres

Classical

Pop

Jazz

Ensemble

Types of HarmonicaDiatonic - One Layer Reed, 10 Notes

Tremolo - Two Layer Reed – oscillating, 24 Keys

Chromatic – button activated sliding bar that redirects air to alter notes

HistoryVienna to Germany

1800-1824 Originated in Vienna Joseph Richter invented the blow and

draw mechanics

1830 Brought to Germany Christian Messner (clothmaker) Distribution via Immigration

HistoryGermany to USA

1868 Brought US – Called Mouth Organ Mathia Hohner (clockmaker) Southern States via black market Hilbilly and Jazz (featured in Jug Bands in

Memphis) Abe Lincoln and Billy the Kid had one! Mass Production by Machine Cut and

Exported to other countries

HistoryGermany to East Asia

1898 Brought to Japan from Germany

Tremelo Harmonica modified for Japanese folk tunes

1931 Minor key harmonica developed in Japan

1930s Brought to Hong Kong

Tremelo Harmonica Popular Beginning of Harmonica Organizations:

China YMCA Harmonica Orchestra 1950s Linda’s grandfather was in the

Kings College Harmonica Band - one of the oldest harmonica ensembles that still exist today.

Kings College Harmonica Band

Parts of the Harmonica

Other Uses of HarmonicaMedical Uses:

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for (COPD) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Can also help patients with: Asthma, Emphysema

Exhaling and inhaling when playing the instrument builds lung capacity and diaphragm muscles.

Example: University of Michigan Harmonica Club

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Social & Emotional effect when paired with Music Therapy

Harmonica Lesson Activity

Description:

Teaching music concepts and skills by integrating the harmonica with singing and other instruments (Grades: 3-4)

Music Concepts:

Melody – pitches moving by steps or skips

Rhythm – quarter and eighth note patterns

Harmony – Interval of five as accompaniment

Form – Round and Canons

Methodology:

Integration of Multiple Approaches

Kodaly – Note Reading on Staff, Singing with Solfege, Curwen Hand signs, use of folk songs

Orff – Movement, body percussion, borduns as ostinatos, singing with Solfege, Curwen Hand Signs,

Resourcehttp://www.theharmonicacompany.com/_harmonicastore/products/800px/hering-1148-giant.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-TIMER-TREMOLO-HARMONICA-Hole/dp/B0014N46V6

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/myquill/howharmonicaworks.html

http://www.uofmhealth.org/medical-services/pulmonary/pulmonary-rehabilitation

http://www.macleans.ca/society/life/rx-play-the-harmonica/