Hi everybody, it’s nice meeting y’all here. My name’s Amy, I’m 23-years-old, and I’ve been playing the harmonica for almost 7 years. I’m also a student of harmonica virtuoso, Todd Parrott, for 3 years. I officially started playing on December 29, 2018. I had received a non-branded toy harmonica for Christmas and it didn’t sound like what the songs I was listening to sounded like, with the harp I got being very leaky and unresponsive. So on December 29th, I went to my local Guitar Center and got my first Hohner, a Special 20 in the key of C. The rest was history. I started dedicating myself to the instrument from that point on. All throughout high school (I graduated in 2020) and now, I’m playing gigs in a band. I primarily play country, blues, rock music on Hohner Golden Melodies (both old and new).
My main reason for starting out was because of the Nashville session player, Terry McMillan (may he rest in peace). I always loved how he treated the harmonica sound like an extension of the human voice. Even though he never played anything that was extremely flashy technique-wise, he would play licks that were straight from the heart, adding a bluesy flavor to modern country music. The song that introduced me to him was “Ain’t Goin’ Down (til the Sun Comes Up)” by Garth Brooks. I always described Terry’s playing as if it sounds like the harmonica was crying its heart out, with those licks being passionately played. I feel lucky that I’ve introduced him to so many harmonica players because he influenced my own style by a lot.
Despite my young age, I’m very passionate about being creative on the harmonica and not pigeonholing myself into strictly playing by the book. I view the harmonica as a very personal instrument, as what specifically caters to the player’s needs is what the player themselves like and not following what everybody else likes. I’ve been told that an unpopular opinion that follows strict traditions should apply to me as well as themselves, but I’ve learned to ignore other who put me down. I’m also autistic so I don’t understand social cues, so please be patient with me.
Hi Amy, welcome to myhohner.de
Your belief in a creative approach to the harmonica is refreshing, far too many players spend their time trying to sound like the players who inspired them, rather than learning to sound like themselves. I wish you every success on this path.
Should you have any questions or comments on Hohner harmonicas, feel free to post them here!
Cheers
Steve
Thanks, Steve. Also about the new GM, I got my first one in December 2023 and it’s pretty cool. I still don’t consider it to be better than the old one because I’ve played the old one for so long, but it plays pretty good. Sorry for offending you.
No worries Amy. I wasn’t offended by your opinion, just by your casting me as a company yes-man, something I have never been. I’ve always been the player’s advocate in my work with Hohner, because I’m first and foremost a musician. See here for example:
It’s great that young people are still drawn by the magic of the harmonica and I wish you much joy with your music.
I’d like to join that post and introduce myself.
Hi everybody. I know You 
Amy - we are talking about harmonicas on another forum, and I saw your videos on Youtube.
Steve - I’ve got Your CD “Great divide” and was at your concert in Trossingen 2025. Thanks for the great piece of music!
For now my favorite harmonica players are Jason Rosenblat and his unique way of playing oriental music. And Matej Ptasek for his unique timbre and throat vibrato.
And Konstantin Reinfeld for his unique way of playing anything and unique timbre.
I’m playing diatonic harmonica for many years. Started as youth. I’ll be old soon and still playing 
Started from blues, then went to other genres (reggae, pop, rock). About Year ago I’m started to play jazz and now want to focus mainly on jazz.
I’m playing also ukulele and keyboard in a finger-drumming-and-bass manner.
Here is sample of my style:
I have some uncertain reflections about playing on diatonic harmonica and hope to find like-minded guys here.
Hi Janek,
welcome to the my.hohner.de forum and thanks for posting some of your music. You don’t need to feel uncertain about playing diatonic harmonica, you’re clearly a competent player, though I wouldn’t really describe this piece as jazz. If you’ll be in Trossingen during the coming Harmonica Masters Workshops, come and say hallo!
All the best
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thank You for Your answer. You’re right - music which I sent isn’t jazz. It’s sample of style which I will play in the long run. But firstly i want to learn good throat timbre, then jazz standards. I have learnt (theme + improvisation) some of them, but playing mainly with backing tracks. If possible - sometimes participating on jazz jams. Unfortunately, I will not be on coming workshops.
About uncertain reflections - I’ve got question about way of thinking. I will create new thread about it.