“Grant is a player’s player and a teacher’s teacher.  His personalized teaching elevated this beginner’s playing to the next level.  I soon returned to learn how to teach others.  In doing so, Grant provided both information and inspiration.”

“I hope to be a student for life as there seems to be no limit to the growth potential with Grant as my teacher. I highly recommend that if you want to learn the harmonica or get better on the harmonica then Grant is your man.”

“As a teacher he has the rare insight to understand his student’s connection to the harmonica, then helps guide that connection to undreamed of levels. Grant is the kind of instructor that makes this journey a joyous adventure. In short, if you’re serious about harp, check Grant out. Get ready to understand and play the harmonica in ways you won’t believe!”

That’s what I can say about Grant Dermody as a blues harp player of the first order, and the reason I can enthusiastically recommend him as an instructor. The cat knows his way around a diatonic harmonica like few players I’ve met. More than that, he is uncanny in his ability to lead you to better playing, no matter what level you are at (or think you’re at). He’s a terrific person, a true gentleman, and a great teacher. I had the pleasure of studying under Grant at the Acoustic Blues Camp that’s in association with the annual Telluride Brews and Blues Festival (a fine festival in its own right, and the associated Acoustic Blues Camp is 4-days of pure joy). Grant makes some sweeping claims at the outset of his instruction, but true to his word, he makes good on all of them. Better tone, better phrasing, better comping to other’s play, better soloing, better tongue blocking; it’s a complete package that Grant offers.

Even if you’ve played many years, don’t make the mistake of thinking you know all this. Even the most accomplished blues harpers will benefit greatly by spending some time together with Grant and your harps. Singly or in groups, Grant has a knack at reaching out to individual players and tailoring a personalized course of study. I’ve studied with other great harp players, but none has had the teaching skills that Grant offers. In my experience, most great harp players teach by example, but Grant offers and can demonstrate specific steps to improve your playing. After listening for a few minutes, he can tell you things about your playing that you didn’t know yourself. And he won’t let you go away without charting a course to continue your learning experience long after your lessons are over.

The bottom line: If you are a diatonic harmonica player and get a chance to study with Grant Dermody, jump on it! You won’t regret it for one minute. I know I’m looking forward to my next opportunity”

Since this first lesson I’ve continued with lessons from Grant and the lessons have enabled me to play out at jams and open mics and now I even get paid to play at times. Through this entire learning process the lessons were artistically crafted to my needs and adapted to my skill level with a focus on tone. He even indulged and expanded on my wish to learn the circle of fifths. I hope to be a student for life as there seems to be no limit to the growth potential with Grant as my teacher. I highly recommend that if you want to learn the harmonica or get better on the harmonica then Grant is your man. Some of my friends have taken lessons from Grant on Skype or at other locations and all have a great report. “

Grant is the perfect harmonica teacher. In addition to being an excellent player, with two fine CDs, Grant loves to teach and it shows. He has a real concern for his students and always tries to fit the lesson to the individual. I first became a student nearly ten years ago and Grant deserves a great deal of the credit in the the progress I’ve made. Simply, he’s one of the best harmonica teachers in the country.