Learning Path
Hello all,
I am very new at harmonica, have only had it a lttle over a week. Besides the LOA plan, is there a basic beginner plan to follow on the site here. It seems that the LOA Level 1 is a bit over my head to start.
Thanks,
Marc
Like J.D. Blazek said above, it is one of the best places to start. It might seem overwhelming at first, but just focus on Level 1 and nothing else. In fact, if you are just a beginner, Level 1 might take you several months (3 -6) only because you might want to view other videos that David has done, that dovetail into Level 1. I was a student of David's for 7+ years and after not doing lessons with David any longer and not playing all that much due to my work load, I started at Level 1 and am working my way through to Level 10. It's a great way to learn the harmonica and all the great techniques available to us harmonica players. You know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time and playing the harmonica is no different. Have patience, practice and before you know it you will be wowing your friends and family.
Thank you for your comments, the more I work on it, the better it gets. I will just keep moving forward, this is not a race.
Keep you work fun. My first impression when I started level 1 was "my God I played harmonica for 2 yesars and I'm not able to tongue block a single note!" Keep in mind the following:
1) Slow practice habits will make you to play fast later, not the contrary.
2) One step per time. Even if it's a single lick or a combination of only 2-3 notes. Proceed when you play well small parts. The worst thing you can do to waste your time is forcing yourself to finish one task early.
3) The learning process is not a continuos line, ther are "jumps". It means that often you will find yourself saying "Ohhh....I feel like I jumped in a new level because those yesterday's difficult things today look very easy.
4) Enjoy: when you pick up your harp and really want to play that solo song alone, slowly, in the dark, just because you want to feel the music, then you are on the right way.
Thank you for the encouragement and guidance.
Marc
Maybe get a local teacher to help out with the material. Check out the accredited teacher page on this site. Im finishing the LOA and will get the accreditation soon. Your name sounds french-canadian. Im from montrral I could help you out i your in the area or you have skype.
Hi Marc. I am doing level 1 also. I have found it extremely encouraging to watch the accompanying material showing a guy called Joe going through the lessons with Dave Barret. (You can find the link at the bottom of the Level 1 page). He had the same frustrations as me and asked the very same questions I would ask so it is almost like having the lesson yourself.
Good luck.
It may seem over your head, but that is the point right. You will need to practice and although some are able to shoot right through the levels, they should take you some time to get through. I don't think it is uncommon for some folks to take two or three months to complete a level. Sometimes longer.
I just started level four and have been working on a single chorus for a week now. Just about got it. Watch the videos over and over again. It will eventually seem possible and then seem like old hat.
Patience, perseverence and practice are the keys...I think for any instrument.
Good luck Marc.
J.D.