Traditional Styles for Blues-Harp

Hardly anyone else in Germany plays traditional blues harmonica techniques in the style of Sonny Terry or Billy Bizor quite like Adam Sikora. In November, Sikora will be giving a three-day masterclass in Berlin.

 

 

LOCATION
To be confirmed in Berlin
DATES
13–15 November 2026
COST
€325

Minimum number of participants: 5
Language of instruction: German and/or English

SCHEDULE
13 November 2026 – approx. 2–5 pm
14 November 2026 – approx. 10 am–1 pm and 2–5 pm
15 November 2026 – approx. 10 am–12 noon

Total of approx. 11 hours of teaching (including breaks)

A masterclass for advanced players of the diatonic harmonica

13–15 November 2026
Friday at 2 pm – Sunday at 12 noon
tbd, Berlin

How can one approach the traditional playing styles of Sonny Terry, DeFord Bailey or Billy Bizor with respect? And how does initial imitation develop into a personal interpretation?

In this blues workshop for advanced harmonica players, Adam Sikora will help you how to play the great licks of the old masters. Practical exercises and examples will help you transfer the playing techniques you’ve learnt to other blues, folk or traditional styles. The course content includes, amongst other things:

  • Technique, control and practical exercises for a musical (laryngeal) vibrato
  • Lick training: structure, variations and musical application
  • Training sessions on rhythm, breathing and intonation
  • Exercises on imitation & call-and-response
  • Musical examples

Adam Sikora will place particular emphasis on exercises to improve timing, groove and rhythmic confidence, as well as on clean intonation. An expressive tone is the foundation of any performance and is what brings learned playing techniques – whether traditional or modern – to life.

Adam Sikora
Harmonica player Adam Sikora studied the playing techniques of Sonny Terry, Johnny Woods and Billy Bizor from an early age. In defiance of all modern playing styles

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