How Some Schooling Refueled My Love For Making Music

Old Town School of Folk Music (2003-2004)
Chicago, Illinois

I hit a wall.

Not the proverbial “walls” I hit competing in three Chicago Marathons. Mile 16 in 1998. Mile 20 in 2000. Mile 22 in 2002. 

No, I’m talking about hitting a wall as a musician. 

It felt like I wasn’t growing in my craft. I needed more structure, guidance, and challenges. Playing at blues jams and learning songs at home was fun, but not enough to be fulfilled. 

I turned to the Old Town School of Folk Music in 2003. It’s a living, breathing landmark of Chicago music inspired by pioneers of American roots music from blues, folk, gospel, country, and jazz to rock, soul, R&B, funk, and dance. 

Rick “Cookin’” Sherry was teaching an 8-week harmonica class for adults at various levels. Rick is the founder and frontman of Devil in a Woodpile and Sanctified Grumblers. I have Rick to thank for teaching me rhythmic grooves and backbeats while simultaneously playing melodic lines. The technique? Tongue blocking. It’s a game changer for playing any style of harmonica.

Roaming the halls of the Old Town School every week reinvigorated my love for music. The school’s culture and vibe motivated me to stay connected to its mission and my musical growth. That led to a phone call with Joe Filisko.

On paper, Joe may be the most accomplished harmonica craftsman, teacher, and musician the world has ever known.

In person, Joe may be the most genuine, heartfelt, curious, and selfless person I’ve ever known. And that’s in a room full of musicians with plenty of quirks and quips to go around. Believe me, I’m one of them.  

Back to that phone call with Joe in 2004. 

I noticed Old Town offered harmonica classes at various levels of experience for different styles of music, including Chicago Blues. Levels I or II didn’t seem like quite the right fit. And Level III was booked. 

Then I spotted a Blues Harmonica Performance class taught by Joe. Even though the description strongly recommended taking Chicago Blues Harmonica Level III prior to signing up, the performance class sounded like just what I needed to hone my sound and stage presence. 

That’s when I decided to call Joe, the performance class teacher I had yet to meet. I didn’t reach him, but he called me back the same day: 

“Hi Kirk. This is Joe Filisko returning your call. How can I help you?” 

“I’m interested in your Blues Harmonica Performance class and wanted to hear more about it,” I said. 

I went on to explain I’ve been playing for about 10 years mostly at blues jams or at home. And that I took Rick Sherry’s class where I first learned how to tongue block. 

“I don’t have a lot of songs in my vocal repertoire. I'm also hoping to take my playing up a notch,” I said. 

Then came the big question for Joe:

“I noticed your Level III class is full. It sounds like Level III is a prerequisite. Even though that’s the case, is the performance class an option for me?”

“Tell you what,” Joe said. “When the next session starts, why don’t you come down to B1 and observe that class?” 

B1 is the room in the Old Town School basement where Joe teaches. It’s the room where it happens. No, not that room from Lin Manuel-Miranda’s musical, Hamilton. But it happens in this room, too.

“Many of my Level III students sit in the back of the room and listen in on the performance class,” Joe explained. “You can do the same. That way, you’ll get a feel for what it’s like. And if there’s time, there may be a chance for you to play something.”

‘That would be great, Joe! Thanks!”

Yet another unconditional soul - like John, Dr. Longhair, Rockin’ Johnny, and Shirli before Joe - rolling the dice on my music ability before hearing me play one note. 

This was my chance to break through that wall after all.

But I’d have to endure the walls of B1 first.

Playlist Highlights:

• Albums

  • Devil in a Woodpile - Devil in a Woodpile

  • Division Street - Devil in a Woodpile

  • In Your Lonesome Town - Devil in a Woodpile

  • No Lie - Sanctified Grumblers

  • On The Move - Filisko & Noden

  • I.C. Special - Filisko & Noden

  • Missed Train Blues - Filisko & Noden

  • Midnight Special - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee

  • Sonny’s Story - Sonny Terry

  • Sonny is King - Sonny Terry

  • Call The Doctor - Dr. Ross

  • Harp Blowers (1925-1936) - Various Artists (Document Records)

• Songs

  • “John Henry”, “Fox Chase”, “Ice Water Blues” - De Ford Bailey 

  • “The Wooten Waltz” - Traditional

  • “Good Mornin’ Little Schoolgirl” - John Lee (Sonny Boy) Williamson

  • “Sittin’ On Top of The World” - Mississippi Sheiks (Sam Chatmon, harmonica), Howlin’ Wolf

  • “Devil in a Woodpile” - Cannon’s Jug Stompers (Noah Lewis, harmonica)

  • “Memphis Jug Band Waltz”, “Stealin’” - Memphis Jug Band (Will Shade, harmonica)