HarpsCool – where children have fun learning music
Richard Taylor is as an official operator for HarpsCool, an independent music service specialising in the teaching of harmonica to children in UK Primary Education. HarpsCool uses the harmonica to make a positive difference to children’s lives.
Why learn harmonica?
- It’s fun!
- It sounds great
- It’s inexpensive
- It raises self esteem
- It fits in a pocket or bookbag
- It’s cool for girls and boys alike
- It has no awkward strings or keys
- It aids wider learning through the Mozart effect
Information
If you are a parent who would like to see harmonica taught in a local school, or indeed a teacher who would like to introduce harmonica into their school, drop us an email here at the Harp Surgery or visit the HarpsCool site and make contact with Ben Hewlett.
Key Stage 1
Reception and Year 1 children learn harmonica using a four hole Hohner Speedy harmonica(available in pink, blue, yellow and black). They enjoy playing tunes from HarpsCool’s own Funky Nursery song book which develops confidence and an understanding of the instrument.
…he’s really enjoying the lessons .. there’s nothing as good at tugging on your heartstrings as hearing a small boy playing the ‘blues’ on a harmonica when he’s been sent to his room!
Key Stage 2
Junior School children progress to a ten hole HarpsCool harmonica and start work on a new selection of songs such as Nasty Chugs. These encourage musical development and playing skills.
A brilliant way to get children interested in learning a musical instrument. Harmonicas have been a real success in our school!
Lessons are extra-curricular, in groups of six and held within the school premises. They can take place during the school day or after hours. Children receive on average 3 lessons each month, each one normally lasting thirty minutes. That’s thirty lessons across the academic year. Our starter packs include a folder, two harmonicas, a song book, a mission book, a sticker and a pen.
Teachers
Our teachers are trained in the HarpsCool teaching technique and follow carefully prescribed teaching guidelines. All have a state teaching qualification or else are highly experienced in their field. All are continuously assessed and monitored. All undergo statutory background checks and carry public liablity insurance.
In the event that a school is unable to facilitate daytime lessons, or student numbers do not warrant separate classes, HarpsCool also runs after school harmonica clubs where children come together to enjoy making music with the harmonica.
The Toot Suite
Harp Surgery is steadily building a complimentary music section for younger players called The Toot Suite. As always, the content directly reflects the comments and interests of those concerned. In this case Key Stage 1 and 2 students we work with throughout the Brighton & Hove area.
