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Level 5 - Levels of Achievement

Within this lesson plan you’ll learn how to start in the bent position; mix multiple textures in a song; write a blues harmonica instrumental; use the bluesy flat-7th chord tone in your accompaniment; the major pentatonic scale (for light blues playing); and how positions work on the harmonica.

Watch the video at left for more details.

When you've completed the material below, submit it to me (David Barrett) for review and LOA recognition. After submitting your material, a confirmation page will provide you with a link to pay the $55 testing fee. Reminder... to receive LOA recognition the program is to be completed in order (starting from Level 1).

  1. Lesson Plan/Requirements

    • "My Blues" Bending Study 4

      In this lesson you’ll learn how to start in the bent position as well as mix multiple textures together to create a killer slow blues.

    • Solo Harmonica Study 3

      Examples 2.1, 2.2 or 2.6 with a Metronome... you choose the tempo. (In the video I mistakenly stated to do 1.1, 2.2 and 2.6... please note that I'm looking for 2.1, 2.2 or 2.6. My apologies for any confusion.)

    • Improvising Study 1 – Songwriting

      In this lesson you’ll learn the art of phrasing while improvising and songwriting. Your goal is to complete Assignment 3.

    • Accompaniment Study 5 – Hole Changes with the Flat-7th

      In this study you’ll complete your study of chords by adding the bluesy flat-7th. Focus on working with a jam track and getting to know each hole/note on the harmonica (minus hole 10) and how they relate to each chord.

    • Movement Exercises – Scales

      Focus on the G Major Pentatonic Scale (minus the note 10'+), this is what we use to play with a light feel (Jump & Swing Blues, Ballad Blues, Country Music and Pop).

    • Music Theory Study 2

      In this lesson you learn how positions work on the harmonica.

Once you’ve completed this material it’s now time record and submit the written section to David for review.

Take Level 5 Test

Additional Helpful Material

  • You've been working on how to apply licks that you've learned in our study songs to improvisation via the Chorus Form process. Most likely you're playing, or want to soon play, with other musicians. To play with other musicians you need to be familiar with all of the ways in which to open and end songs... Performance Training does just this.

  • You've been working hard on the diatonic harmonica and the skills you've developed will help you to play the chromatic harmonica. If you're interested in the chromatic harmonica (you like the way it sounds) then now is a great time to get started and learn it along with the diatonic harmonica. Start your studies with "No Sweat" [Blues Chromatic Study 1]. You'll need a standard solo-tuned C Chromatic Harmonica for this study. I recommend the Hohner Super Chromonica 270 Deluxe (12-hole). If you already own a solo-tuned chromatic that's 10, 12 or 16-hole in size, these will also work just fine.

  • Make sure to watch Intermediate Student Ryan Walker to see how he's doing with the same material.

Quick Reference Guide

Though there's detailed information on the LOA program in this and the following pages, here's a Quick Reference Guide of all the LOA Level material requirements for your convenience.