“It’s amazing to see where my hard work has taken me”

“Every morning when I wake up in New York, I remember that I’m living a dream,” laughs Yvonnick Prené from his studio in New York. For the native of Massy-Palaiseau, who became one of the figures of the harmonica world, nothing has been simple. As a child, he found his passion somewhat by chance:“My parents would come home late at night, and there were always blues, rock and jazz records in the house. That’s how I made the connection to the harmonica. “

At the age of 12, he met two great harmonica players: Jean-Jacques Milteau and Greg Zlap. The latter gives him his first harmonica lessons, and for the teenager who already dreams of the United States, a long adventure begins. Since then, Yvonnick Prené has released several albums, notably Feast Day etc Jobim’s worldand establish Harmonica School in New York. You may have also found it during the French Awards of the United Stateswhere he was a finalist for the 2024 People’s Choice Award.

He really came to New York

In 2007, Yvonnick moved to New York on a university exchange with the Sorbonne, where he studied musicology. So he entered the City College of New York for a year. “Arrived? A real shock: the language, the sound, the smells, everything was different. ” he remembers. The young French musician strives for a level of excellence on the new continent: “I thought I had a certain level, but then, I took a slap. I had two choices: return to France or work hard to reach the level of musicians here.”

At the end of the academic year, intending to stay, he won a scholarship to study at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, allowing him to extend his visa. “The first years were difficult, but this opportunity allowed me to continue.” At the university, he met other musicians. Together, they play in different places: the Blue Note, restaurants, parks, supermarkets, or even in the metro: “I created the Padam Swing group and played in quartets, trios, duos…I played wherever possible. “

Concerts, New York Harmonica School… His dedication as an artist

Today, Yvonnick continues to navigate from project to project, experiencing music in different forms: “I’m trying to build a viable ecosystem, because here, there is no something falling from the sky. You have to pay insurance, the car… more than $500 a month. At the beginning of each month, everything must be done again. ” The fact that life in New York strengthens his determination and encourages him to diversify his activities: “At the moment, it’s the concerts that motivate me the most. After that, I want to launch a project around Bob Dylan. Sometimes other artists call me to participate in various projects, it can be albums, movies or series.”

At the same time, he teaches at the New York Harmonica School, which he founded to pass on the knowledge he gained over the years, first in France, then in the United States: “I love seeing the transformation of beginners. In half an hour, they start playing a piece, understanding the rhythm, the breathing… They often surprise them.” He also launched an online subscription program, offering over 100 videos to introduce enthusiasts to the harmonica. With the same desire to broadcast, Yvonnick organizes a workshop every year where students can play together: “I now organize a workshop every year so that students can play together and create a real community.”

A remarkable journey for someone who, today, sees his name appearing on Hohner brand harmonicas: “In the end, I found my picture and name on a harmonica, from one of the biggest brands. It’s amazing to see where this passion has taken me.”

Yvonnick Prené can be found on his social networks, Instagram, TikTok etc Youtube.