Richard Taylor

Thank you for visiting my page. If you’re searching for a friendly, qualified and experienced harmonica professional you’re in the right place!

I have been performing and teaching the harmonica for over thirty years and am a former UK harmonica champion. I hold a Trinity College Level 4 Certificate for Music Educators (CME) and my harmonica playing has featured on BBC TV soundtracks for ‘Only Child’ and ‘Amazing Animals’. I Produce the UK’s annual international harmonica festival, Harpin’ By The Sea, which has featured on BBC TV and Radio too, and I have a BA Honours Degree in Contemporary European Studies.

I have taught harmonica as a profession since 2010 and head up Harp Academy, providing harmonica music learning in UK Early Years and Primary School settings. Through Harp Academy, thousands of students have benefited from my inspiring and inventive teaching methods, several achieving UK Junior Harmonica Player of the Year status (solo and ensemble). I have also enabled countless children with disabilities to find their music and confidence, many of whom have gone on to perform in public.

Alongside my work with Harp Academy, I coach harmonica for adults one-to-one privately and online and run a weekly online harmonica workshop. I also regularly perform with my rhythm and blues band The Blackjacks and I have shared stages across the USA, UK and Europe as a guest performer. Between my teaching and performing activities I am also Editor of the popular Harp Surgery online harmonica website for adult harmonica learners and enthusiasts. I have also served on the Committee of HarmonicaUK, the UK’s harmonica charity, where I have been involved in outreach activities.