How Harmonicas in Solidarity Began…

Harmonicas in Solidarity began in 2020 when Greenwich Village residents began playing the harmonica every Friday at 6:55pm. I taught them to play my group harmonica song “The Oceans,” (our anthem in solidarity for our police, fire fighters, EMS and everyone who kept us safe during the pandemic) by watching my how-to-play videos on this website. The participants began practicing the song and each week they’d stand socially distanced on their balconies playing along with me as I stood alone in the garden conducting everyone. Those who had not yet mastered the melody simply make some harmonious sounds on their harmonicas, emulating the collective waves of the ocean.

I invite you to join us at one of Combo Nuvo’s upcoming performances to play “The Oceans” at the finale of our concerts, but in the mean time, you can practice with the orchestral background for “The Oceans,” (provided below).

Here’s the plan…

Watch the videos below to learn the basics on harmonica playing. (Remember, you need to play a diatonic harmonic in the key of C).

2. On video #4 and #5 you will learn to play our solidarity song called “The Oceans.”

3. You can download music for “The Oceans” below. It’s written so anyone can learn to play the song.

4. Practice “The Oceans” using the play along mp3 track found at the bottom.

5. Play along with the mp3 orchestral arrangement of “The Oceans.” (Play along with the piano melody)

6. Get ready to join Combo Nuvo in solidarity when we play “The Oceans” together because…

Through Music, we all have a voice!

Music and the arts are for everyone! That's why I'm reaching out to invite you to join me in solidarity through the positive power of music. Over the years, I've had the great honor to travel the world playing music, and during these travels I’ve always carried a bag of harmonicas for audiences to play along with us for our final song. This has become our way of including everyone into the communal experience that music offers us.

Learning to play the diatonic harmonica is a most positive experience. If you are looking to connect with other, I invite you to join Harmonicas in Solidarity, and learn to play our inclusive anthem, “The Oceans.”

LEARNING TO PLAY HARMONICA IS EASY!! Remember, if you don’t already play music… don’t think that learning to play harmonica is difficult. It’s simply… unfamiliar!

Included on this website are a series of instructional videos to teach you how to play the harmonica. Also included is a downloadable music lead sheets for playing “The Oceans” on the harmonica using tone hole numbering and inhaling and exhaling arrows. You can also play along with a simple mp3 backing track, and a symphonic orchestration on The Oceans arranged by Rich Shemaria. Everything is explained by me in the videos.

I sincerely hope you will join our Harmonicas in Solidarity community. Once you get your harmonica, (in the key of C) you are ready to start playing. Browse my instructional videos and email me from the site with any questions. Always remember… MUSIC IS FUN!

To view, download or print the harmonica music, click on the song title for THE OCEANS