Welcome to the forum, again. Sorry to hear about your health issues and your unemployment. However, as you mentioned, you have lots of time to practice. I have also been in your position and here is what I did. I set a schedule for myself. I had to keep a routine, or my life would have sunk even lower than it was. I got up at 7:00am and made breakfast, got myself ready for the day. I then took care of any chores that needed done. I set up a two hour block of time (around 10am-12pm) for music practice and learning. This gave me something to work towards and keep my mind busy so I didn’t get down emotionally. I’m not going to say I was successful everyday, but it gave me a target to shoot for and having a purpose can help.
I was unemployed for 9 months during Covid, so it wasn’t that long ago.
Good luck, there are a ton of resources available and lots of people that are willing to help in any way they can, here. Take advantage of this fact, it will help in the long run.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Thank you so much for your kind words and advice—they’re very helpful to me. The problem is that I’m very inconsistent, and that’s partly due to my health issues.
But I’m starting again building a harmonica routine, I failed mostly in the past because a lack of feedback and community.
I remember how motivated I was to practice when I was preparing for public performances playing Christmas carols, Easter songs or simply had to prepare to my harmonica lesson.
I have similar traits, the biggest help is being consistent no matter what, no matter how you feel, no matter what excuses your brain throws up in front of you. Be committed. I too have serious health issues and I can always find an excuse not to practice. But I also know thru practice I will be better off, both health wise and mentally.
@The_Train_Guy wow Vito! Hola, much gusto! What an absolute pleasure to have you here. I believe I was also 15 when I started playing. That was back before the internet existed believe it or not, so the resources we have now for learning are nothing short of miraculous. Let us know how we can help. We’re here for you. Rock on!
@oldprogrammer0x01 Yeah Marcin Dyjak is a player for sure! I pray that your health improves and you can find things that inspire you to want to play. And yes, FB; is a drag - I lost my FB account a couple of years ago - it was a weird experience, lol. Also what’s so annoying about FB is it’s very difficult to search for and easily find old threads on particular subjects, which is probably my favorite thing about this forum. Anyways, WELCOME!
i am Maria from the Netherlands and i started you’re course in april. I want to say that it was just for fun, but I’m so happy and excited about al this! You’re lessons are great and mostly i forgot the time when i started the practise. I love it! So thank you
Greetings from SLC, Utah! I watched Blues Brothers a few weeks back and got inspired by the scene with Big Walter Horton. Picked up a harp the next day from my local shop and now I’m hooked! I’m excited to learn to really get rippin’ on the harp!
Thanks Luke for a great place to talk harmonica. I began teaching elementary kids last year and learning how to keep kids in tune .. ha! The Fender Blues Deluxe’ you gave a good review on are working very well .. a good beginner kids harp … they still loose them I just got a good discount from Kyle at Sweetwater for a bunch of them. Your doing a fine job Luke
Josh, I play bass in Hill Country Rockers ( 55+ Community) in San Antonio. We play One Way Out by Allmon Brothers at about 3/4 speed for mood setting. There’s a lot of room for a harmonica. Do you happen to have a lesson that address this?
My name is Bart, and I’m very happy to join this community.
I decided to learn the harmonica because I truly enjoy music and because I want to challenge myself by learning something new.
At the moment, I am going through treatment for brain cancer, including chemotherapy. I’ve learned that keeping the mind active and learning new skills can be valuable alongside medical treatment, both mentally and emotionally. For me, the harmonica is not only an instrument, but also a source of joy, focus, and motivation.
I’m looking forward to learning from all of you, improving step by step, and sharing the journey along the way.
@senorkruton I was raised on the Blues Brothers. Great stuff my friend. Welcome!!!
@Steven_Fairless Amazing! God bless you bro. Keep up the great work and LMK if there’s anything I can do to help or if you have any questions. Rock on!
@Bart - welcome my friend! I pray that cancer is fully defeated and that you get to play harmonica for many more years. God bless you!
Hi. My name is Jeff. I’m 63 and I’m originally from California but I’ve spent almost all of my adult life in Pennsylvania. I’m semi-new to the harmonica (played off and on for years but never got very good at it and recently I’ve made up my mind to finally get around to learning it.
I have an East Top FreeBlues in C, an East Top Forerunner 2.o chromatic and a set of 12 Swan harmonicas. The Swans are a cheap brand - $105 for the set (what I could afford), but when I get good enough to justify the expense I plan to upgrade to a set of 12 East Tops that I have my eye on for $240.
I like playing traditional American folk songs and gospel/hymns. I also play the tenor ukulele, but I prefer the harmonica primarily because I can’t sing at all and since a harmonica is a wind instrument I don’t have to worry about being tempted to try to sing when I play it.
Hi - I’m Cher from California. I was gifted a Harmonica in C for my birthday. My plan is to learn how to play a few songs to strengthen my breathing for my long trail runs and to keep myself busy when I am out on trails for many hours.
I just got a good discount from Kyle at Sweetwater for a bunch of them. Your doing a fine job Luke 
