General Doubts
Hi David,
I have a couple of questions:
1) Checking the Sharon's classes (lesson 3) I've noticed you talk about a different approach to start playing. I mean, instead of start to blow/draw and let the sound flows you talk about keeping the airflow dammed behind the teeth and release it to create some sort of attack and than the sound just comes at a full range. Anyway, the question is: Do you have a specific class about it or it's just those little life hacks that come with the practice? I don't know if I was clear enough to explain myself, if not please let me know and I get back with the exact spot on the class you talk about it.
2) It's been almost a month now and I've been focusing most on "walk with me" and the exercises you emphasize on Rob's and Sharon's clases, which are the same we need to submit to the LOA test (TB 1 ex. 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5; Solo Harmonica 1 up to 1.7 and the major scale on the middle range). Anyway, should I master all the exercises of the level before submitting the evaluation or those main ones are enough? If the latter is the case, should I leave behind those I didn't manage to master and jump into the next level or should I come back as I get more advance techniques and review them?
3) Following you advice I'm seriously considering the crossover as the next harp (today I have the Hohner 360 in C), and that's because you state several times the A is the most common tone used (so I'm thinking about invest more money on the one that will be used most). Just to plan myself ahead, at which level we change to another tone and which pitch will it be?
4) How do you suggest to organize the printed material? Is it better to congregate all the LOA1 or divide it by theme? (all the study songs, all the TB studies, and so on) I know its a matter of personnal preference, but what is you approach?
Thanks a lot!
Great! Thanks for the answers!
So for the question number 1: for the blow it's the same movement as in the tremolo and for draw would be the same sound as a tremolo but using mouth instead of the throath?
I'm sorry to be so insistent but I want to get everything clear. Sometimes I manage to get the same sound as the examples but with strange techniques, for example doing the tremolo with the diaphragm or using several short breathes instead of articulate. And I want to get the most solid base posible, so I don't have problems in future levels.
Regards!
"Great! Thanks for the answers!"
My pleasure
"So for the question number 1: for the blow it's the same movement as in the tremolo"
Yes, exactly.
"and for draw would be the same sound as a tremolo but using mouth instead of the throath?"
Yes, using the tongue for the "K"
"I'm sorry to be so insistent but I want to get everything clear. Sometimes I manage to get the same sound as the examples but with strange techniques, for example doing the tremolo with the diaphragm or using several short breathes instead of articulate. And I want to get the most solid base posible, so I don't have problems in future levels.
Regards!"
No problem, that's why I'm here
Hello Gustavo. Answers below...
1) What you're speaking of is articulation. When you play one note, multiple times in a row, and they're close together, you use an articulation. For blow, it's a slight cough. For draw, use "K." That's it, so not enough to turn into a separate study.
2) Focus on the ones I outline. That lesson has multiple levels represented, so focus through examples 1.7 right now. You can go through all of Section 1 if you wish, but wait to go through Section 2 examples later.
3) The Crossover is a great harmonica. As you know, the A Harmonica is the most used in your lessons. After that, you'll be using the C and G Harmonicas. You can get the C any time (though it's not required until Level 4), and the G will be needed for your Level 4 studies.
4) I recommend by level
My pleasure.