Introduction and harp/LOA reflection

Hi all,

I've not posted here properly before so I wanted to quickly introduce myself and say a few words.

I've been playing harmonica for around 10 years now (and have been playing and singing in my acoustic duo The High Hollers for about 8). Spent a long time messing about, picking up what I could from youtube and other places online before finally subscribing to bluesharmonica.com. You can get a fair way by yourself if you're smart and dedicated but being here has got me further quicker than ever before.

I've always enjoyed playing harmonica on stage - even the very small ones I've played. Moreso than guitar, which I have done for longer and still do on occasion. If you can do a solo harmonica piece, with singing, and keep the rythym going, and keep people interested you're doing pretty well I think. And it's fun to surprise people too because lots of folks have never seen it done before.

Starting on the Levels of Achievement really sent me back to school, made me check my ego and re-evaluate what I thought I knew. What kept me going was that I had a target. I would often get asked at gigs if I could teach harmonica, but I knew in myself that I didn't have enough knowledge or experience, and that I was in danger of dishing out misguided or just plain wrong advice. Completing level 6 and being recognised as a beginner harmonica teacher on this site was my target. I was extremely gratified when I acheived that late last year.

I've since found my first student (the few sessions we've done have gone very well, he tells me) and I'm on the lookout for more. I'm in Leeds, UK. It's pretty much a harmonica wildnerness as far as I can tell so if there's anyone nearby who'd like to get together for lessons or just to jam and talk harmonica I'd be interested.

Thanks to David and the community here for being helpful and supportive. It's been great so far. No matter how much you think you know - there's always so much more to learn!

Kev