Sonderworkshops

Harmonica Therapy with Mattias Bogefors

Thur. 29.10.26  4-5 p.m.

No musical knowledge is required

The diatonic harmonica is the world´s smallest gym! Or maybe I should just call it a “medical instrument”. As versatile and portable as a Swiss army knife, it’s equally beneficial for both body and mind.

My experience with the harmonica following a bad car crash in 1995 changed my world completely. In cooperation with my physiotherapist I discovered that there are many similarities between playing the harmonica in a conscious way and standard physiotherapeutic exercises, including mindfulness.

My interactive workshop uses C, G and Bb harmonicas and is based on my “most bang for the buck” method to immediately play real music as well as to perform exercises tailored for different needs. The immediate feeling of success, the fun factor, is extremely important in my program. No musical knowledge is required, and “if you can breathe you can play the harmonica”! I address conditions connected with problems with the mouth, jaw, tongue, neck, lungs as well as stress and anxiety (for example; whiplash, speech and swallowing disorders after a stroke, COPD, asthma, Parkinson and PTSD).

Breathing, posture, ergonomics and gentle controlled subtle movements are central to this method, both for specific body parts as well as the whole body. By using the lower pelvic muscles one can learn to boost breathing, whilst simultaneously playing a fox chase rhythm. This extra boost is important for people with asthma and COPD, as they need more effort to exhale. Observations from my students including a Ukrainian medical doctor support this.

I’m currently cooperating with clinical physiotherapists, medical doctors (psychiatry, psychology, neurology and radiology/speech physiology) and patient organisations, who clearly see the potential and similarities with standard exercises. However, more scientific studies are needed and I am seeking new contacts within the medical community. I’ve also had positive feedback from yoga instructors.

Currently we are conducting a pilot test in cooperation with Hohner and the Ukrainian army, you can find out more on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@HarmonicaTherapyBogeforsThe first goal is to reduce stress by slow coherent breathing that I call “wave breathing”. The 2nd part is aimed at gaining energy and reducing frustration through learning a train imitation with whistle. The 3rd part is simply having fun playing chords and chordal effects to a backup track.

Harmonica therapy is no “snake-oil” or panacea. I have a background as an MSc in Chem. Eng. and what I teach is hard core, but conscious, harmonica playing. And it’s FUN!!

Mattias Bogefors

Amplified Harmonica Playing Workshop George Reijnders & A.J. Folkerts

Fr. 30.10.  15-16 p.m.

Mastering Amplified Harmonica Techniques

When learning to play amplified, you first need to master the necessary cupping and holding techniques in order to be able to create that elusive electric sound. Good equipment alone will not do this for you.
Long time HMW participant George Reijnders has built up a lot of experience and his tips will definitely help improve your amplified playing.
Check out his website: https://harmonicaworkshops.weebly.com/

Marble Harmonica Amps

A high quality tube amp designed for amplified harmonica is a great help when trying to achieve a good electric sound. Choosing a suitable microphone and learning to adjust your amp correctly are also important factors when striving for a good amplified tone.
Check out the Website: https://www.marble-amps.com/

Tips and techniques to improve your amplified playing

1. Enclose the harmonica well between your lips.
2. Breathe through the harmonica from your diaphragm in a relaxed manner.
3. Play a clear single note using Puckering or Tongue Block technique.
4. Add (throat) vibrato whilst playing Single Notes.
5. Lower your Jaw and make your mouth cavity larger.
6. Invest in a high quality Marble Harp Amp, they are specially designed for amplified harmonica
7. Get a good mini bullet microphone, they are much easier to hold.
8. The Hohner Harp Blaster HB-52 is one of the best mini bullet harmonica microphones out there.
9. Aim for a fairly clean sound by setting the gain low and adjust the master volume to the required level.
10. Practice using correct cupping techniques to create an air tight enclosure.
11. When playing with a tongue block, lay the front of the harmonica against your right cheek for increased airtightness.

Enjoy amplified Harmonica Playing!