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David's Tip of the Day: Silencing the Critical Mind in Performance

Posted Mon, 08/19/2013 - 05:58 by David Barrett Admin
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In the video "A Master Class in Jazz Performance and Creativity with Pianist Kenny Werner" found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un3p614XExc Kenny speaks of why it's important to silence the critical mind in performance. At 2:50 he states, "The zone is created by not criticizing yourself in performance. You cannot afford to criticize yourself in performance... that breaks the zone... that breaks the groove. But of course you may hear notes you don't like, but don't key in on that." Thanks to fellow student Annemarie for sharing this.

David's Tip of the Day: Good Tone - Part 2

Posted Wed, 08/14/2013 - 06:27 by David Barrett Admin
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Vocalizing "E" as in "Key" without the K... is a good example of where you don't want your tongue for normal play... but where you do want your tongue for bending (this would be equivalent to a 4 draw bend on the C Harmonica for most people). Look in a mirror with good lighting and observe the location of your tongue for this "E" position. continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Accompaniment King Judging Comments

Posted Tue, 08/13/2013 - 05:29 by David Barrett Admin
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Accompaniment King judging comments are now in. Take some time today and listen to some of the entries. Before listening to each one, read what Gary Smith, Rick Estrin and Mark Hummel have to say first so that you can listen for the elements they bring up. This is a great lesson. http://www.bluesharmonica.com/accompaniment-king

David's Tip of the Day: Good Tone - Part 1

Posted Mon, 08/12/2013 - 07:35 by David Barrett Admin
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Let's start by helping you to become familiar with your oral cavity and how its resonance is affected by your tongue location and the size of your throat.

Vocalize "E" as in "Key" without the K... and while continuing to sound this, slowly change it to "OH"... and then slowly to "AH" and then slowly to a yawn while still vocalizing. Picture in your mind's eye the location of your tongue relative to your mouth and what happens to your jaw position for "OH" and your throat for the yawn.

More tomorrow...

What's New: Contributor Joe Filisko - More Train Imitation Lessons

Posted Sun, 08/11/2013 - 07:00 by David Barrett Admin
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In this lesson Joe goes into Rhythm Variations for the train.

David's Tip of the Day: Playing Louder & Rushing

Posted Fri, 08/09/2013 - 06:47 by David Barrett Admin
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The most common rhythm error that I point out to students in their submission to me is that of rushing when playing louder. I also reassure them that they're not alone, I, and many other musicians have this issue, and that if you're aware of it, you can adjust accordingly.

Editing the latest Intermediate Student Ryan Walker lesson footage I caught myself doing exactly that... embarrassing really... but I remember thinking to myself, "No, leave it in there, I'll make note of this on a Tip of the Day and it will be a great point that even experienced artists have a tendency to do this." continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Personal Monitoring for Harp Players

Posted Wed, 08/07/2013 - 08:19 by David Barrett Admin
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Our greatest challenge as performing harmonica players is to be able to hear ourselves well on the bandstand. With the help of MegaTone Amplifiers (http://megatoneamps.com/Speaker_Cabinets.html) we designed a monitor for harp players, but a powered speaker out from your amplifier is needed to power it.

If you don't have a powered speaker out, but you do have a line out, try the Behringer EUROLIVE B210D Active PA Speaker (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/behringer-eurolive-b210d-active...). At $199 it's a very inexpensive way to ensure you can hear yourself. continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: HarpArm

Posted Tue, 08/06/2013 - 06:04 by David Barrett Admin
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Something new for the harmonica community. I haven't tried this, so if you get one please share your experiences on the website. http://www.harparm.com

David's Tip of the Day: Inspiration is for Amateurs

Posted Mon, 08/05/2013 - 07:11 by David Barrett Admin
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A quote that has always resonated with me (sorry, I don't know who said it) is, "Inspiration is for amateurs." Whenever I don't feel like practicing, I say this quote to myself and I get back to work.

David's Tip of the Day: Frames of Mind - Part 3 (Performance)

Posted Fri, 08/02/2013 - 06:34 by David Barrett Admin
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The critical mind (the one that helps you to identify weak areas in your playing to be fixed) that's so beneficial in the practice room, is a hindrance on the bandstand. Unfortunately, it brings emotional baggage... it should be observational, not emotional... but it often translates to emotional. When performing, this internal critical voice needs to be hushed and the voice of confidence should be its replacement. continue reading...