AN AWARD-winning harmonica player from Leamington is hoping to change people’s perceptions of the ‘old fashioned’ instrument.
Former Myton School pupil Will Pound was given a harmonica by his musician dad Bill when he was just ten-years-old.
As a baby Will underwent open heart surgery leaving him with breathing issues, which his dad thought could be helped by practicing the instrument.
And he was right, as nearly 17 years on, self-taught Will has made music his career. He has won a host of music awards and even played alongside Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams and Paloma Faith on the 2012 Christmas number one charity song He Ain’t Heavy.
Will’s close friend and world-famous music producer Guy Chambers asked him to play harmonica on the single, which was released in aid of bereaved families who lost loved ones in the Hillsborough disaster.
But now the 27-year-old – who studied music at Warwickshire College – is looking to teach others how to play the harmonica, which he feels is an instrument not celebrated enough.
He told the Observer: “The harmonica was very popular in the 30s and 40s but less so today. The advances in technology have really pushed the instrument forward in terms of tone, sound projection and warmth.
“I love converting people to the harmonica and making them realise it is capable of so much.”
The musician – who is currently recording an album with accordionist Eddy Jay – is holding a day-long workshop on Saturday October 31 at the Criterion Theatre in Coventry.
It costs £60 and will cover all aspects of playing the harmonica.
Visit willpound.com to find out more.
