Harmonica study during recovery after vertebral injury
Mon, 02/11/2019 - 01:42
Hi David,
I injured my neck (broken vertebra) and I have to wear a cervical collar the next couple of months. I can't make quick movements with my head, which prevents me doing shakes or quick jumps over holes. I can do some of my study materials (LOA 4), but not everything.
Would you recommend what should I focus on to use the time until I'am fully fit again (2-3 months) as best as I can? I plan to work more on my tone, scales and other theory based stuff, improvisation etc, but if you could point me to more possible directions, your advice would be very welcome.
Thank you
Marek
Mon, 02/11/2019 - 13:00
#2
Thank you David for good
Thank you David for good advices and encouragement.
Marek
Hello Marek.First off, best wishes on a speedy recovery.
We generally move the harmonica more with our hands from side-to-side, than with our head. We'll move our head (or jaw) commonly if the note is directly to the hole to the left or right (experimenting with the jam may be a good idea), but when when we're not staying in one spot, we're sliding the harmonica (using the hands). With this said, I think you can still practice effectively while not moving your head. For the shake, use the hands right now. Of course you won't be able to move as fluidly right now, but I think you can still get some good practice in (just more slowly).
Working on tone, scales (Movement Studies 1-3), music theory (Music Theory Studies 1-6), accompaniment (All, except for the speedy stuff), improvisation with slower licks (studies 1 through 11) are all good ideas. This will be a great time to bring your other areas of you game up.