blues harmonica

The listener wants more repetition than the player is usually willing to give

So we can play softly.

In hour 2 of Science Friday's 02/10/12 radio program they speak with psychology professor and author of "Guitar Zero, the New Musician and the Science Learning" Gary Marcus. Professor Marcus started learning the guitar at age 38 and speaks about the science of learning and if there's a critical age range to learn an instrument or if there's still a chance for the older learner. In the second half of this program they speak of the science of audio and spend time on the CD verses Vinyl debate and about common compressions used for digital distribution such as MP3 and what they do to the sound. continue reading...

Play them... often. Most of us don't have bands. The nice thing about having a band is that you have context for the songs you've studied. You also get to play these songs, at the very least, on a monthly basis to ensure retention. Mimic having a band. Make a playlist and once a week (if you don't have many songs at this point) or once a month (if you do have a lot of songs under your belt) hit play and don't stop until the playlist is complete. In the beginning I recommend you have the first track be the original and then the second track be the jam track for each song. continue reading...

What does it mean to "help" the harmonica community?

Here are some examples...

1) Ask the leader of the local jam session you frequent if there's anything you can help with. Aspects of running or setting up for the jam... getting the word out via social media or flyers in the local area...

2) Get the word out about products or services you feel strongly about in your social circles... local and your social media (Facebook, blog, etc.). Possibly write a review. continue reading...

What are you doing for the harmonica community?