Wednesday, June 7th – Sunday, 11th, 2023
After a lengthy break due to the covid pandemic, the 14th Harmonica Masters Workshops from June 08 – 12 2022 brought the community back together for a joyous celebration of our instrument. Around 100 participants came to Trossingen for four days of workshops, sessions and concerts in one of the pivotal locations in the history of the harmonica. Heartfelt thanks are due to all students and staff for their support and committment! Special thanks are due to the Hohner company for temporarily taking on the local organisation in 2022, thus making it possible for the festival to take place.
Following successful restructuring, the Hohner Conservatory has once again taken over the organisation on site as organiser and we are looking forward to working together again. The website has now been completely updated and we are accepting registrations for all workshops with immediate effect.
For the 15th edition of the Harmonica Masters Workshops we’ve been able to put together another great team of instructors. The programme combines the return of old friends with some new impulses and promises to be another highlight in the harmonica players’ calendar.
Alongside our popular workshop on traditional blues harmonica with the great Joe Filisko, we are delighted to welcome back master teacher David Barrett, who will be giving a class in Trossingen again for the first time since 2018.
Following the success of his course in 2022, Swedish harmonica customizer and expert for Irish music Joel Andersson will be joining us for the second time. We’re also very happy to announce our first ever class on Argentine tango for chromatic harmonica, presented by one of that country’s leading players and teachers, Santiago Alvarez.
Bluesman, singer, harmonica artist and teacher Bonny B. (Cambodia/Switzerland) comes to us for the first time to give a course on blues and gospel harmonica and vocals for intermediate students. This year our beginners workshop on Friday and Saturday will be given by harmonica instructor and performer Chris Kramer, well known in Germany for his work with rock star Peter Maffay. As in previous years, Eric Noden will teach a class for acoustic blues guitar. Festival director Steve Baker won’t be giving a class but will be available for individual tuition.
During the lunch break on Thursday, Friday and Saturday we are offering short additional workshops on harmonica and health, mindful breathing and amplified harmonica, respectively presented by long-time students Mattias Bogefors, Quim Roca and George Reijnders.
On Sunday afternoon, following the chillout brunch, our beginners instuctor Chris Kramer will present his successful children’s program „Die Kleine Mundharmonika“ for primary school age children, teachers and parents in the Trossingen Music School. Admission is free.
We will inform you here and by email as soon as we are able to accept registrations and look forward to welcoming you to Trossingen in June 2023!
With very best wishes,
Steve Baker – Festival Director
Eric Dann – Director, Hohner Conservatory