Frank Strong RR Songs Referrals Page

What folks are saying about Frank .... !

Meet the "Blues Boys"

Direction and purpose is a major motivation factor in anyone's life. Especially when we are young and growing up. What we are influenced with can set a direction that can last a lifetime.

I am thankful and count it a privilege to have had the opportunity to share with a group of Des Moines kids who were really needing a break - an opportunity to break away and pursue music like they've never been able to before. Click HERE and listen to the news story Des Moines' KDSM Fox TV-17 produced.

I'd like to thank Polk County and Bankers Trust for their assistance to make this possible for these boys!

I had SO much fun teaching harmonica and working with over 80 of the 4-6 graders in the Middle School of the Newell-Fonda Community Schools in Fonda, Iowa.

Click HERE to hear what the kids of Newell-Fonda have to say!

The above recording took place shortly after my artist's residency at the school in the fall of 2000. The residency was sponsored by USA Arts of Iowa. USA Arts is a program which showcases the artist's skills of people with disabilities.

Frank Strong has taught over 3,000 children and adults how to play harmonica.

Dear Frank, Two weeks ago today, my eight year old grandson, Ryan and I attended your "harmonica class" at the Coffee Shop south of Ankeny. (I had just given my grandson a hannonica after a vacation trip to Branson, MO). Ryan was very enthused about the session and was able to play most of the songs in your handout. Two days later, he went to visit his 100 year old great grandmother in the care center at Story City. He brought along his harmonica and played a couple of songs for her. His great grandmother, Inger Severseike, had played the accordion and harmonica as a young girl. (Her mind is as sharp as ever). She said let me try it! She then continued to play the harmonica for the frst time in the past 75 years! (She said she put her harmonica away when she got married and raised her six children on a Hardin County Farm). We wanted you to know that you helped to brighten the day for this 100 year old woman who would rather be home on the farm where she spent her first 99 years! I plan to get back in touch with you later about the possibiEty of some private sessions. I have picked up my harmonica the past few years after putting it on the shedf some 50 years earher mysedf. I can play the basic tunes, but need some help on quabty of play. Thanks again. OBER J. ANDERSON

Recently, we conducted a class on playing the harmonica. We've had some wonderful responses to these classes!

If your group would like to play the harmonica or would like to know the schedule of upcoming harmonica classes, by all means, contact us at frank@frankstrong.com

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Frank Strong

Frank Strong makes musical presentations on railroad songs and harmonica instruction. Frank is an artist with the VSA arts of Iowa, the Iowa Arts Council and Metro Arts Alliance of Des Moines. Frank was born in Council Bluffs, the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific railroad. Frank began to play guitar and harmonica when he was 18 years old. From his early years he acquired an interest in the historical, cultural and economic effects of railroads on society.

When not performing music, Frank is Director of Programs at the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living in Des Moines, a non-profit agency serving persons with disabilities. In addition he makes presentations on leadership skills and Parliamentary procedures. Frank enjoys playing a variety of music and is a regular at the downtown Des Moines farmer’s market. He has recorded a CD of railroad songs accompanied by guitar and harmonica.

To email Frank, send your email to: frank@frankstrong.net

Frank Strong - an artist with the VSA arts of Iowa, the Iowa Arts Council and Metro Arts Alliance of Des Moines.

This web page was last updated on Thursday, August 31, 2006