Sam Barry’s Harmonica and Piano Lessons

As an adult, I’ve had ten (!) music teachers over twenty years before starting harmonica lessons with Sam. Obviously, I’m no Mozart, but I can’t change that.
But the eleventh time is turning out to be a charm. Unlike his many predecessors, Sam is able to understand what I need, and to teach in a way that works for me. Specifically, I like to understand the theory and to see the big picture and to work toward goals (specific songs) — all of which Sam helps me do. He’s a lot more organized than some of my previous teachers, and a much better explainer.
Sam also turns out to be a very decent, funny, genuine person. It’s rare, and I feel lucky.

Sam Barry is the best piano teacher. I’m an adult coming back to piano after 20 years away. I’ve been taking piano lessons from him for the past 4 years and I’ve recommended him to numerous friends, acquaintances, and strangers in that time.
Sam is laid back. He let me direct my studies, while offering copious suggestions and guidance. I’ve spent the past 2 years working through an intermediate Blues piano book, and an intermediate Classical piano book. I’m usually working on one piece from each book at a time, with an occasional wildcard like a Beatles song or something from the internet.
Sam has helped me pick out melodies by ear from Brian Eno, Interpol, and Brian Jonestown Massacre CD’s. Sam has never given me a hard time when I show up without practicing (sometimes life gets in the way, and Sam gets that.) Sam’s piano is kind of badass, it’s pretty loud, the strings are open, and it could very well have spent a few decades in a honky tonk.
Learning to play piano should be fun, and Sam’s been a great coach and guide, helping me hear what works and doesn’t work in my pieces. I’m a remarkably better player than I was when I started, and there’s no way I could have gotten this far without a teacher.

I’ve taken harmonica and piano lessons from Sam for five years, and I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn either of those instruments.
Sam is an accomplished musician who loves the blues, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll. He’s comfortable teaching other styles from classical to standards, folk, and country. Lessons cover technique and theory (and if the student is interested, some history too). Sam is a relaxed and patient teacher. He offers lots of encouragement and emphasizes having fun. Sam has a wonderful sense of humor.
I have really enjoyed having Sam as a teacher, and I’ve learned a lot. What more could a music student ask for?

I’ve been going to Sam for harmonica lessons for a couple of years now. He is a wonderful teacher whose ability to combine edification and tongue in cheek humor is rarely matched.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t read music, he will guide you through the steps and teach you to whatever ability you wish to achieve.
It doesn’t matter if you are tone deaf, he will just turn on the radio to drown you out.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t show up for the lesson, he will still charge you unless you bring a doctor’s note.
Sam is a wonderful teacher, and you should take a lesson or two if you want to become even just a little more proficient in piano, harmonica or even the penny whistle.