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David's Tip of the Day: Joining a Band - Part 5 (Song Essentials)

Posted Tue, 10/01/2013 - 08:21 by David Barrett Admin
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Now that you have your quick list that details the essentials for each song (key, groove, start, end, etc.), the main focus is to learn to play... and memorize... the signature elements in each song. If a hook exists in a song, learn it ("I'm Ready" for example) If there's a head, learn that too ("Chicken Shack" for example) If there are breaks ("Next Time You See Me" for example), be ready to play the lick associated with it (if there is one), and memorize the lyrics that immediately precede it, to signal that it's coming. continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Inventor of the Harmonica Rack

Posted Mon, 09/30/2013 - 08:33 by David Barrett Admin
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I didn't know that Les Paul invented the harmonica rack...

Science Friday Audio Podcast
"Les Paul: Inventor and Innovator"
http://www.sciencefriday.com/segment/09/27/2013/les-paul-inventor-and-in...

David's Tip of the Day: Joining a Band - Part 4 (Make Each Song Special)

Posted Thu, 09/26/2013 - 09:14 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

I stated previously...

"'What makes this song special' or 'How can I make this song sound unique and exciting from the other songs in my set.' This is an important question." continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Custom Harmonica Cases in the UK

Posted Wed, 09/25/2013 - 08:26 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

My buddy Mark Overman showed me a case company I haven't seen before. He said a friend of his in the states purchased one and it was very nice. Check them out at http://slimscustomcases.com

David's Tip of the Day: Joining a Band - Part 3 (Song Listing)

Posted Tue, 09/24/2013 - 08:22 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

Now that you have a detailed chart for each song, create a simple listing with text for all of your songs. You should be able to fit 20+ songs per sheet, so keep your notes brief.

Here are my suggested headers (feel free to add your own that you find useful):

Title Key Groove Intro Breaks? Hook/Focus General End

Key to the Highway, G, Slow Blues (Shuffle), From the V, (Blank), Shakes, 8 Bar: I V IV IV I V I V, Standard (m7) continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Joining a Band - Part 2 (Charting)

Posted Mon, 09/23/2013 - 13:41 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

Now that you have your songs from the band, start the process of charting. The information can be very basic, or very detailed. I've posted a detailed example of a chart at https://www.facebook.com/bluesharmonica
If you've not competed your Music Theory studies at BluesHarmonica.com (charting is covered in Study 6), then you may need help from one of the other musicians in the band with charting the chords for non-12 Bar Blues songs. Working with a local music instructor is also a great way to go about this (I have personally done both through the years). continue reading...

Robert Bonfiglio Interview

Posted Fri, 09/20/2013 - 20:33 by David Barrett Admin
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Called "the Paganini of the Harmonica" by The Los Angeles Times, Robert Bonfiglio has performed classical chromatic harmonica to audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Gewandhaus, Teatro Colón, Teatro Massimo, Teatro Amazonas, Kennedy Center, Boston Symphony Hall and Lincoln Center. continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Joining a Band - Part 1 (Requesting Material)

Posted Fri, 09/20/2013 - 08:00 by David Barrett Admin
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When students join a band, their focus changes from learning one song at a time to learning thirty songs in a hurry to be ready to play their first gig. This is an exciting time, but also a challenging one to deal with the breadth of material.

Here's how you get started... continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: I'm lost... what do I do now? Part 10 (Full Prep List)

Posted Thu, 09/19/2013 - 08:59 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

Let's now bring all of the elements together that we've discussed...

For newer players to the bandstand we know that their highest probability of success is in memorizing a song and performing it to their best ability. The challenge is that they're playing a non-dynamic element (a memorized solo that does not change) into a dynamic situation (the band is responding to you, but you not to them). The other challenge is in keeping track of each chorus and hoping your memory doesn't fail you.

Follow these steps in preparation for performance: continue reading...

David's Tip of the Day: Filisko Tongue Block Trainer (TBT)

Posted Wed, 09/18/2013 - 08:34 by David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture

A quick reminder as to the value of the TBT in the learning process. I commonly hear from students after using the TBT to dial in a technique that wasn't happening on the harmonica, "Wow, it makes it easy when you can see what your tongue is doing."

To Purchase:
http://www.filiskostore.com/page/480389598

Lessons on how to use the TBT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNNt5HIiN88