Tom Ellis

Tom Ellis, one of the co-founders of HOOT, has been playing harmonica for over 30 years. He started out as a bluegrass player, moved to rock and finally to blues work. In the mid-1980’s he radically altered his style, moving away from "lipping" to "tongue block" playing, which now forms the basis of his teaching curriculum. He has studied with Jerry Portnoy, among others, and teaches a program that builds a playing style around full use of the instrument, with emphasis on the basics of tongue blocking--the foundation of any good player's harmonica style. He also stresses the full integration of the instrument into the band environment--both as a percussive, rhythmic and solo instrument.

Tom is the owner of Tom's Mics, a leading supplier of vintage harmonica microphones to players all over the world, including Kim Wilson, Charlie Musselwhite, Mickey Raphael, JellyRoll Johnson, Darrell Mansfield, and many other professional players.

He can be contacted at 214-328-3225 for lessons.

email: tomsmics@flexcomp.com

Frank Halovanic

Basic and Advanced Chromatic Techniques.
(214) 351-3898

Frank was a member of the harmonica world way before our club ever existed. His number one love in the world is harmonicas, besides his family of course.

Dedicated to ensamble playing, chord, bass and lead chromatic and his efforts is to keep the sound alive. Being the lead player for the Dallas Harmonica Trio he has orchestrated just that!

Frank is well known in the harmonica world and is respected by all who know him and we all consider Frank as a world class harmonica player and lover.

email: frank@halovanic.com

Paul Harrington

Private lessons - Diatonic and Chromatic
(972) 772-3221
[972-880-4995] cell

Co-founder of Hoot

email: paulharp@aol.com

Jerl Welch

Private lessons for diatonic and bass harmonica.
2363 Gus Thomasson Rd.
Dallas, Tx 75228
(214) 327-5008

SORRY, JERL IS NOT DOING ANY LESSONS AT THIS TIME !!!!

Teaching the basic techniques of the diatonic harmonica to coaching the more seasoned players. Styles of music consists of country, gospel, rock and blues. After the fundamentals, you'll be going into bending notes for cross harping and playing in different positions and modes. You will be using the standard 10 hole diatonic harmonica and eventually be studying the different tuned harmonicas for various styles of music.

Jerl has been playing for over 30 years and has traveled with professional groups. Settled in Texas, he spends his time doing session work throughout the area and working with local bands and studios.

Influences: Charlie McCoy, Buddy Greene, Paul Butterfield, Donnie Brooks and Mickey Raphael.

email: dfwhoot@flash.net