Rockschool

Harmonica

Introducing the world’s first regulated graded qualifications in harmonica performance!

In partnership with HarmonicaUK, we have created a new set of qualifications for learning and performing harmonica. These qualifications give a progression route from the very first steps on the student’s musical journey to the creation of performers with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be able to perform pieces of popular music specially arranged for the instrument.

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An Introduction to the Harmonica

The Rockschool Harmonica Method Books introduce the fundamental skills and techniques of playing contemporary music to students who are new to the instrument. Each book has easily digestible topics that can be covered at the reader’s pace with their harmonica teacher.

Structured, Fun, Contemporary Learning

Each book is broken up into 12 progressive stages. Exercises and contemporary pieces accompany each stage, including duet parts and backing tracks to play along to where necessary. The Harmonica Method books make learning the harmonica fun and accessible in both a solo or ensemble environment.

Clear Progression Routes

Everything a student needs to learn about how to play the harmonica up to debut level is covered in the books. Book 1 & 2 have been benchmarked so that learners should be at the level required to enter their Premiere and Debut harmonica exams respectively.

Theoretical Grounding

Every Rockschool Grade has been designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of musical theory, enabling them to confidently articulate their musical ideas and concepts to other musicians.

Downloadable Audio

Your purchase includes all the Harmonica Method book accompanying audio as standard. The RSL shop allows students and teachers to use their favourite Rockschool titles on their desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

Internationally Recognised

Rockschool qualifications are taken in almost 50 countries worldwide. The Rockschool Harmonica Method books are the instrument’s first steps into the larger setting of contemporary graded exams. Graded music exams are recognised across the world and can earn UCAS points at the higher grades to aid university entry in the UK.

Discover Rockschool Harmonica

Introducing the world’s first regulated graded qualifications in harmonica performance! The method books published to accompany Premier and Debut Grades have been designed to be used in individual lessons and classroom teaching, offering a brand-new route for whole class music teaching.

How it works

Whether you’re learning the Harmonica independently or with a music teacher, it’s easy to get started learning with Rockschool.

Download the syllabus and buy your method book

Our publications provide you with everything you need: professionally arranged and produced repertoire alongside innovative topics and exercises.

Start practicing and acquire new skills

Accessible topics introduce the fundamental skills and techniques of playing the Harmonica to students who are new to the instrument.

Sit the exam and reap your rewards

If you’re ready and want to take a Graded Music Exam, achieve your very own Rockschool qualification after putting in the hours of dedication towards mastering your instrument.

Harmonica
Premiere

The Rockschool Harmonica Method books are a great way to introduce contemporary harmonica skills to students who are new to the instrument. These books support the progression into the Graded Music system and will prepare readers for a lifelong journey into playing and enjoying music.

The Rockschool Harmonica Method Premiere Book takes students from the beginnings of learning to play the instrument, through to being able to perform songs for a Rockschool Premiere grade exam.

Estimated Examination Time:

Performance Certificate: 10 minutes (approx.)

Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry

Rockschool Harmonica Method Book 1 has everything you need to start learning to play the harmonica, through to being able to perform songs for a Rockschool Premiere grade exam.

12 progressive topics
Newly composed exercises, games & pieces
Two ‘Hit Tunes’ and three specially composed songs arranged for Premiere level harmonica students
Accompanying harmonica parts for group learning/duets/teachers
Professionally recorded backing tracks
Downloadable audio

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Harmonica Method - Premiere

The Rockschool Harmonica Method books are a great way to introduce contemporary harmonica skills ...

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Graded Music Exam: Premiere

All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...

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Performance Pieces

In Rockschool Harmonica Method Book 1, there is a mix of two ‘Hit Tunes’ and three specially composed songs arranged for Premiere level harmonica students.

Hit Tunes

Hold Back the River – James Bay
Shotgun – George Ezra

Rockschool Originals

Highland Spring
The Canyon
Summer Dreams

Exam Structure

There is one type of exam available at Premiere, a Performance Certificate.

Performance Certificate

5 performance pieces only.

These account for 20% of the exam mark each.

Assessment Criteria

Performance Certificate

Attainment Band	Distinction	Merit	Pass	Below Pass	Below Pass 2
Mark Range	18-20	15-17	12-14	6-11	0-5
Command of Instrument	Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout	Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall	Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality	Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced	No attempt and/or incomplete performance
Sync or Pulse	Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained	Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained	Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained	Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained	No attempt and/or incomplete performance
Accuracy & Understanding	All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time.	Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time.	Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time.	Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced.	No attempt and/or incomplete performance
Style & Expression	Consistently convincing projection of the music.	Mostly convincing projection of the music.	Some convincing projection of the music.	Music not convincingly projected.	No attempt and/or incomplete performance