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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

When to breathe

4 replies [Last post]
Fri, 01/03/2014 - 14:04
luckyharp
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Teacher 6Level 10
Joined: 12/28/2013

I''m working on level 1 solo harmonica study 1.

In exercise 2.1 to 2.3, we have much draws and very few blows: after a couple of measures I'm full of air.

How can I manage that ?

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Fri, 01/03/2014 - 14:11
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Sure… three tips to practice in this order…

1) Play your pulls (draw chords found on the upbeat, notated with the "x")

2) Make sure that your nose is closed when you play your draw notes.

3) Open your nose (like you're blowing your nose) while you play blow notes.

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Fri, 01/03/2014 - 15:02
#2
luckyharp
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Teacher 6Level 10
Joined: 12/28/2013
Well, If I close my nose with

Well, If I close my nose with two fingers I can do it :) I need to work on indipendence between nose and mouth now.

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Fri, 01/03/2014 - 17:23
#3
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

I heard that the nose clips that swimmers wear is socially acceptable on the bandstand now ;-)

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Mon, 01/06/2014 - 12:03
#4
hank stefaniak
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Teacher 6Level 9
Joined: 12/20/2009
I found (after miuch time

I found (after miuch time practising this) that as developed the habit of exhaling through my nose whenever I play blow notes it has made a big difference as it became a regular habit - even on a 1 note blow note. I'm still working on keeping my nostrils closed when I play draw notes.

The nose clips would prove to be a real B____ when I tried to exhale!!

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