tongue and jaw trembling when tongue blocking
Hello all,
I've been learning harp using the pucker technique up until I started these lessons. I find that when I try tongue-blocking, my jaw and tongue tremble. Is this something wrong with my technique, or is it just a matter of developing strength in my jaw and tongue? Thanks in advance!
It took me a while to really grasp TB as well. Halfway through LOA 2 I realised that's all I do now.
The benefits become apparent quickly. Textures come first to mind by also tone. At a local jam I attend a harp player of 10 years who puckers asked me how I'm getting the tone way better through his equipment than he was since I'm a novice player.
Tongue blocking for great tone.
It will soon come naturally for you but does require lots of effort and awareness.
John
The person to ask here is Winlow Yerxa, he's the man.
But here's my 2 cents.
As with any physically demanding activity the required muscles will have to be developed for the task.
I would think the trembling is due to muscles being taxed while learning a new repetive tougue movement.
Only thru repetition will the muscles be trained for full control and touch.
See Dave's 10,000 Hours Rule to Mastery.
P.S
For resistance training the Low F Harp might be a good workout or goal!
Thanks for the input! Still working on tongue-blocking, but so far I've found that by putting the harp deeper in my mouth and really trying to relax, I'm starting to make some progress.
Any time you learn something new, you're likely to experience some tension - after all, you're uncertain of what you're doing and that can lead you to feel apprehensive - "Am I doing it all wrong?"
You're also likey to use too much of whatever it takes - pressure, force, volume of breath, etc.
After awhile, conciously or even unconsciously, the anxiety will subside, but you may still benefit from concsiouly relaxing and using miminal energy.
It's good that you're already starting to relax into tongue blocking. Your tongue is pliable and moist and can easily cover the holes you need to block on the harp. You don't need to press hard or tense your jaw. If you don't get what you're going for, try paying attention to the sensations of your tongue in your mouth, against your lips, and against the harp. Then make micro-adjustments.
Two things you can do to prepare:
-- Yawn
-- Laugh - a deep, even villanous, belly laugh.
The yawn opens up your throat and helps you relax your breathing while giving you a big hit of oxygen.
The belly laugh gets the deep breathing muscles moving, which in turn stimulates you to move your entire air column, which will make your sound bigger and more powerful, even when you play very softly. When you ride on that big cushion of air, you're bound to feel more relaxed because you don't have to try so hard to get a sound.
I'm not sure if strength is the issue per se....I'm wondering if you are tryint "too hard" causing a clenched jaw which would cause trembling. Or perhaps some nerves if someone is watching.
Take some deep cleansing breaths and relax. Maybe give that a shot.
Otherwise I'm not sure, but this is the best group of folks here to ask.
Good luck with the TB. I went through the pucker to TB transition too. It's worth it..I promise.
Cheers.
J.D.