Jam Sessions at Harp Fest Event
David,
I am going to a local Harp Fest event hosted by Todd Parrott Oct 2-5. I went last year and it was a great experience. One of the areas I was too timid to take advantage of last year was the many opportunities to participate in the Open Jam sessions that occur over the days. It's typically rotating in for 12 or a max of 24 bars. Different styles, different keys throughout the 4 days.
I wish I could say that my practice habits have been good, but a lot happening in my personal life that has had me juggling a lot (including a Metastatic Prostate Cancer diagnosis 4 months ago that has consumed me). I realize it's less than 3 weeks to focus on right now, but I still want to use that time to practice effectively.
I want to push myself to participate this year. Any advice on what I should focus on at my level of studies to best prepare to jump in 2-3 times over the week?
I appreciate it.
Peter
Peter:
Gonna' add to David's excellent advice. Being a pretty rank amateur, but having gone to harmonica camps and conferences like Todd Parrott's and being a relatively "new kid on the block" at a weekly local pro-am jam, here are two things to focus on:
1. Breathe. Breathe in a way that maximizes both control and relaxation. (E.g., check out David's lesson series on breathing.) If you find yourself getting anxious at a jam, concentrate on what you're feeling down the front of your body as you breathe.
2. And as you breathe, remind yourself over and over again that at any jam, anywhere, all of the other musicians want to help you sound your best. NO ONE is hoping you'll somehow "fail." In the harmonica world, everyone is rooting for you, and because they've all been there (whether you're talking about someone who's been playing a week longer than you, or or about folks like Ronnie Shellist, Madcat Ruth, Johnny Sansone, et al.) every one of them wants to play WITH you, not AGAINST you.
The Carolina Harp Fest looks great! And here's hoping that your prostate cancer treatment and decisions go well. And that music plays a part in your success in dealing with it.
Peter a friend of mine said to me in a similar situation. "If you mess up they can't ask for their money back" Have fun.
Thanks all for the feedback! I appreciate it!
Hello Peter. Sorry to hear about the prostate cancer diagnosis, I hope your treatment goes well for you.
The lessons I recommend you look at are...
Improvising Study 1 (and onwards if you have time)
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/improvising_study_1_chorus_forms
Accompaniment Playing Study 2 (and onwards if you have time)
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/accompaniment_study_2
Performance Training Study 4 - The Jam Session
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/performance_training_study_4_jam_...
Have fun!