Among the various instruments for which the Beautiful American Airs and Ballads series was conceived, the diatonic harmonica is a standout. With or without the “bends” played by the author on the companion online recording, the 19 plaintive, single-note melodies in this book are guaranteed to engage the player and move the listener. The music herein is written in standard notation and blow/draw harmonica tablature for the diatonic harmonica in C. Suggested accompaniment chords are also provided. Using the tablature alone, this music can be played on any diatonic harmonica in a different harmonica key; for example, using a G or A diatonic harmonica, the instrument itself will make the mechanical transposition. The chords, however, would have to be transposed by the accompanist. Phil Duncan has written more than 40 harmonica books for Mel Bay Publications. He believes that participation is key to the enjoyment of music, and that the harmonica and tunes in this collection are the perfect vehicles for that participation. “Tunes like these may have been overlooked or forgotten in this stressful world—but playing them will help you regain and renew the sense of calm essential to our identity as Americans… Pick out a few…pick up your harmonica and enjoy!” —Phil Duncan

Renowned harpist, arranger and instructor, Kim Robertson has created this diverse collection of 25 engaging American melodies for solo folk harp. The selections include traditional Appalachian, patriotic, and cowboy ballads plus lyrical melodies by American composer, Stephen Foster. With the long sustain and resonance of the harp, playing these melodies can serve as a bridge between generations of listeners, young and old.The arrangements are easy to intermediate in difficulty with chord symbols included for optional accompaniment. The grand staff notation is intended for lever harps with up to 36 strings. The key signatures contain up to two sharps or one flat with a few simple lever changes. These arrangements can be simplified or embellished as desired without changing their inherent peaceful and nostalgic effect.

Ever since the first European immigrants landed on North American shores, the music of the British Isles has been a decisive factor in the formation of the American folk and popular songbook. Although titles and lyrics may vary, many of these songs are still performed and recorded in their original forms. Not surprisingly, these charming melodies are easy to play on a standard diatonic harmonica in the key of C. The 15 solos in this collection are written in standard notation and blow/draw harmonica tablature with suggested accompaniment chords. For ease of learning, the author has provided online audio recordings.

A great beginner's book for learning diatonic harmonica performance. Contains 42 songs, all easy and fun to play. Diatonic, Blues, and Chromatic harmonica stylings are all contained in this book. Also includes a section teaching the rudiments of music. The book teaches tone variance, bend, vibrato, and tremolo techniques. Audio and video download available online

Evoke the traditional sounds of the Celtic lands with these instrumental arrangements of songs for solo Celtic harp. These 25 tunes are Manx, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, Cornish, Hebridean, and Bretton, including pieces by Turlough O'Carolan and Robert Burns. Notes at the end of the book give insights into the meanings of the texts of the songs, aiding interpretation and inviting you to experience the ambience of the Celtic lands through their music. Lyrics for selected songs are given in the notes in English.

This book contains 138 well-known Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes, set dances, O'Carolan tunes, folksongs, ballads, airs and waltzes. These wonderful Irish melodies are written in harmonica tablature and standard notation for use on the 12-hole chromatic, standard 10-hole diatonic, and tremolo harmonica. Learning these melodies will enhance your playing skills as well as your repertoire. the stereo recording is in split-track format and includes a selection of 25 melodies from the book.

This book contains 41 arrangements and transcriptions of some of the world's most famous classics. They were carefully selected so that they could be arranged for and played on the pedal free harp, although some of the pieces require retuning the harp in the key of E-flat. Biographical information on many of the composers is also included. the CD contains all of the songs from the book as performed on solo harp by author Susan Peters.