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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Lesson progression/flow and timeframe

1 reply [Last post]
Thu, 01/14/2016 - 16:02
joey.kendall
joey.kendall's picture
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Level 1
Joined: 06/17/2015

I'm curious to know what the intended progression/flow is for the lessons.  For example I'm certianly a beginner to the tongue block technique so I'm starting at lesson 1.  Lesson one has 3 main study areas: tongue block, solo study, and music theory.  It doesn't appear that there is any real order with those areas, is that correct?  Same with the rest of the lessons?

Then about timeframe; I know there isn't any way to say by X amount of time you should be here (beacuse of practice time, and natural ability etc.) but, generally how much time should each lesson be taking someone.  For example in one of the videos you mention that the first study song should take a couple of months to get at a point that could be submitted for review.  Would you indend for a student to master (or mostly master) the first song before they went into lesson two and learned slaps?  Or is it kind of a ... keep working on 'walk with me' while also adding slaps?

Thanks,

Joey

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Thu, 01/14/2016 - 18:03
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Welcome to the site Joey.

Welcome to the site Joey.

The site is built by subject matter. If you want to spend time on music theory you can start with Music Theory Study 1 and go as far as you want. If you want to get good at 3rd Position playing, start with 3rd Position Study 1.

For those that are still working on their basic technique, which for harmonica playing is essentially tongue blocking and bending, will split their time between those two studies so they both grow well together (they are interlinked... the harder a tongue blocking song is, the more challenging the bending will be).

For those looking for a very comprehensive way to navigate the site (building multiple skill sets) I have provided the LOA program to help show them the flow (technique [in the form of the bending and tongue blocking study songs], solo harmonica study, accompaniment, improvising and music theory).

In regards to time, most people spend about three months on a level for the beginning levels... 4 to 5 months for the intermediate... etc.

"Would you indend for a student to master (or mostly master) the first song before they went into lesson two and learned slaps? Or is it kind of a ... keep working on 'walk with me' while also adding slaps?"

Either method works... it's what works best for you, but you of course will want some basic level of mastery before moving on too soon.

Does this help?

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