Background Check
Harmonica Lessons
Available Locations:
Online
Teacher's Studio
Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedAbout Clint H.
"The Harmonica is my specialty as a professional performer and teacher. It's not my 2nd or 3rd instrument, but my primary one that I've spent a lifetime mastering. I've been teaching, performing and recording on the harmonica for over 30 years and I'm an expert on both the chromatic harmonica and the ten hole diatonic "Blues Harp". I work with absolute beginners to the most advanced professional level in a wide variety of styles. My lessons are tailored to suit your individual needs."
Clint Hoover originally hails from Minneapolis, MN and began playing the “harp” after seeing Muddy Waters perform. A rare breed of musician, Clint has mastered both the chromatic harmonica and diatonic blues harp. From modern jazz to pre-war blues, Clint has delved deep into the musical possibilities of the harmonica. A professional for decades, he's lent his talents to movies, commercials, TV, radio, theater, instruction books and countless CD projects. His own albums have received rave reviews nationally and internationally. He’s worked with diverse artists ranging from jazz guitar wizard and composer Reynold Philipsek, to folk blues legend Papa John Kolstad to Nashville songwriter Tom Mason. With a reputation of musical flexibility, he became a sought after studio session player. As a respected music educator, he was on staff at Mpls Community and Technical College, McNally Smith College of Music, The West Bank School of Music and The Homestead School of Folk Music. In New York City, he attended Parsons/New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program and studied with classical harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio. Clint’s work has earned him a place in the Encyclopedia of the Harmonica.
-
Awarded SPAH Official Society Award for Harmonica Teaching from Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica -
Teaches students 18 and up -
B.A. Cum Laude, Visual Arts from Augsburg College, Mpls, MN
Reviews (27)
Great 1st lesson
Clint's great. Good mix of music theory and good foundation practices.
Very informative and provided information in an easy to to follow manner.
Clint is a really pleasant guy, and started right where I need to start -- the basics. I'm looking forward to practicing and to lesson #2.
Clint is not only a great player, but understands how to teach. His successive teaching technique has helped me progress. I highly recommend.
First lesson went very well, lots of good advice.
I really enjoy the teaching technique. He has a good way of explaining how to play that could be difficult over skype if you aren’t a good teacher in addition to being a good player. He is flexible with scheduling. Definitely recommend.
Great knowledge of music. He cares that I improve and is a very good commutator. He is great at all music styles. I urge you to start your lessons with Clint today!!!
Clint is patient and gives good pointers. He’s been keeping everything upbeat and interesting.
I will be continuing with him.
Just finished my first lesson with Clint. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and ability to teach via Skype. I was a little hesitant about learning via Skype, but I’m glad that we connected and looking forward to getting better with the harp!
Great teacher and and even cooler person. Making steady progress on my learning curve and having fun in the bargain.
Clint Hoover is an amazing teacher, patient and very generous in giving incredible tips while transmitting his great experience as a musician with a very wide knowledge of different instruments.
Clint was very personable and very helpful getting me, a beginner, started with the basic fundamentals. I liked his relaxed style and the fact that he patiently waited while I made notes to myself about the lesson. I am looking forward to our next lesson.
Show MoreGreat experience
Excellent first lesson with good explanation of technique...lots to learn and to practice! Good demonstration and really appreciated being told that it would take a while to get things right!
A great first lesson. Clint explained and demonstrated good techniques and how to develop them.
Clint has a relaxed almost casual approach to teaching Harmonica. I learn more each lesson than with any other instructor. I recommend Clint and his style of teaching to anyone interested in playing harmonica.
Working with Clint was great. I learned a lot about the pucker style of playing and breathing. I am confident that I will learn to play comfortably.
I have personally benefitted from Clint's lessons for over 2 years now and have learned much, much faster than I possibly could have on my own or through the internet. He brings his wealth of musical knowledge and performance experience, meets you right where you are, and leads you to the next level . He is also adaptable in tailoring his lessons to help you go where YOU want to go, no matter what style or level of expertise you wish to master.
I would highly recommend Clint for anyone at any level who wants to broaden and deepen their harmonica skill.
My intention when I started taking lessons with Clint was to continue as long as I was making progress, and as long as I found playing and practicing enjoyable. After two years, I still look forward to our lessons as much as when I began.
Clint is always positive, and he does an excellent job of tailoring his instruction to the interests of his student.
I highly recommend Clint to anyone who is serious about learning to play harmonica.
Clint is a fantastic harmonica teacher! I’ve been studying with him for a couple of years, and always look forward to my lessons with him. I started with him as a complete newbie in a class he was teaching. After the first bar I heard him play, I knew he was an exceptional player and that this was a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best. I’ve been taking private lessons with him ever since, and couldn’t be happier. Not only is he a gifted teacher and inspiring musician, but he’s great person who is fun to spend time with. If you’re looking for a harmonica instructor, coach, or mentor who will help you get the most out of your playing, he is your guy!
Show MoreI have followed Clint's career for many decades. He is a fabulous performer and a sensitive player. I know many of his students, and they all rave about his teaching skills. He is able to clearly communicate about the music and the instrument, and is knowledgeable about the history of the instrument. He inspires his students to reach beyond what they thought they could do. He is a dedicated and accomplished musician and teacher. He is the best teacher out there!
Show MoreI've been taking lessons from Clint for quite a while now and he's a great teacher.He's always ready to answer ANY question I might ask,no matter how basic(or advanced) it may be.He's a super nice,patient teacher who has improved my playing immensely.His knowledge of harmonica and music theory is unreal but I never feel intimidated by him.No matter what level player you are,he will up yor game!
Show MoreClint did what I would expect a teacher with a new student to do. He assessed my background and present ability on the instrument, and then offered a basic starting point for the lesson plan to match my level. I'm enthusiastic about our association.
Experience
Harmonica Instructor
Sep 2008 - Jan 2011McNally Smith College of Music, St. Paul, MN
Faculty member teaching private lessons on the chromatic harmonica and the diatonic blues harp.
Harmonica Instructor
Sep 1994 - Jan 2011St. Paul Public Schools, MN
Taught private lessons and group classes on the harmonica through Community Education.
Harmonica Instructor
Jan 1989 - Jan 2011Minneapolis Community and Technical College, MN
Private instruction on both the chromatic harmonica and the diatonic blues harp.
Harmonica Instructor
May 1983 - Jan 2011Homestead School of Folk Music, Richfield, MN
Private instruction on the diatonic blues harp and the chromatic harmonica.
Harmonica Instructor
Jun 1981 - Jan 2011West Bank School of Music, Mpls, MN
Faculty member teaching private and group classes on the harmonica as well as student ensembles.
Education
Jazz/Blues improvisation, Jazz Harmony and Composition
Sep 1987 - May 1988The New School Jazz and Contemporary Music BFA Program
B.A. Cum Laude, Visual Arts
Sep 1974 - May 1978Augsburg College, Mpls, MN
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Awards
SPAH Official Society Award for Harmonica Teaching
Aug 2004Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica