Posted Wed, 01/11/2012 - 08:28 by David Barrett Admin
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Posted Tue, 01/10/2012 - 09:29 by David Barrett Admin
"Jazz Insights" with Dr. Gordon Vernick has two new episodes worth listening to. Jazz Rock Fusion, Parts 1 and 2, cover the fusion of Blues, Jazz and Rock in the early 1960s. He even talks about early Skiffle bands. These podcasts are free and can be downloaded here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jazz-insights-dr.-gordon-vernick/id38...
Posted Mon, 01/09/2012 - 09:06 by David Barrett Admin
Now that you're focusing on tremolo for those long-held notes at the end of phrases, also decay the volume. Start that last note at the volume you played the previous notes in the phrase and then decay the volume over the length of the notated rhythm of that note until it disappears. It's rare that a final note of a phrase just stops... it decays until it dispersers into the mix of the band. This makes for a MUCH more musical phrase ending and is a common error comment to beginner, intermediate and some advanced student submissions on BluesHarmonica.com
Posted Fri, 01/06/2012 - 09:02 by David Barrett Admin
One of the first, and most important, techniques you learn on the harmonica is the tremolo.
The tremolo is achieved by opening and closing your throat at the vocal chords. Try a couple blow coughs, then relax your breath and don't cough so strongly... nice and soft. continue reading...
Posted Wed, 01/04/2012 - 11:18 by David Barrett Admin
Simple tip today... chin up.
I commonly receive questions from students about how to control saliva (especially those new to tongue blocking). In most cases they're practicing at a table or on a bed where the music or computer is low. Get the sheet music (music stand) or computer monitor (some stacked books to elevate?) up higher so that your chin/head is level. In other words, don't have your chin/head lowered so that your spit sides into your harmonica! :-)
Posted Tue, 01/03/2012 - 10:22 by David Barrett Admin
Play softly. Warm, radiant air is what you're looking for. A pro player plays at 40% of their capable volume as their normal volume. So, no sucking or blowing... warm, radiant air flowing through the harmonica.
Posted Wed, 12/28/2011 - 10:17 by David Barrett Admin
Your lips are only used as a seal... around the comb and coverplates. Your lips should stay soft and relaxed... at no point should your lips tense (like when trying to bend).
Posted Sat, 12/24/2011 - 09:45 by David Barrett Admin
If you're traveling or having family visiting over the holidays it will be challenging to get practice in, but you can use the lulls between activities to think about your music. Use this time to take stock in what YOU like... the style of music... specifically on the harmonica... the sounds... the keys... the techniques... use this opportunity to tweak your studies in the direction YOU want to go in the new coming year.
Posted Fri, 12/23/2011 - 13:16 by David Barrett Admin
Grab a jam track and matching harmonica to play in 2nd Position (A Harmonica in the Key of E for example). Check that the jam track starts on the I Chord (one chord... beginning of the form), if not, wait to play until the introduction is complete (visit "Performance Training: Openings" if you're not sure you're hearing it correctly). continue reading...