Victor Puertas

This workshop is intended for those who want to improve some of the basic techniques that every harmonica player is looking for, no matter your level or experience with this big little instrument. It primarily focuses on breathing exercises, tone and vibrato control, tongue blocking, and hand positioning. We will explore all these techniques while traveling to one of the most important eras of blues harmonica, the pre-war blues, listening to some of the greatest, like DeFord Bailey and Sonny Terry, just to name a few. Using some of their compositions, we will be able to play songs and improvise from there. We will also delve into other blues harmonica icons of all time, such as Gary Primich and Jerry Portnoy. A Blues journey from the roots to the present day.

For this course, I recommend bringing diatonic harmonicas in A and C at least, although we will explore the different sounds we can achieve depending on the key and position.

VICTOR PUERTAS
Victor Puertas is one of the best harmonica players on the Spanish blues scene. He took 2nd place in the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and won the 28th Annual Blues Challenge in North Carolina together with his brother. His playing encompasses many different styles, which underline his virtuosity. He never loses his deep feeling for the peculiarities of the blues.
Victor Puertas

THE DATE
2025, May 29th – June 1st

THE LOCATION
Bergmannstr. 29, 10961 Berlin-Kreuzberg, in the rooms of Volkshochschule.

THE COSTS
390 €

CONCERT: Reinfeld Jers Puertas & Friends
2025, May 31st, 8 pm
Exploratorium Berlin, Zossenerstr. 24, 10961 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Entrance 18 € (15 € for workshop participants)

THE MASTER WORKSHOP
The Master Workshops take place from Thursday to Sunday. In addition to 16 60-minute lessons, you will have many opportunities to exchange ideas and jam with others. We will send you the exact schedule a few weeks before the workshop.