Tommy the Hat
146 posts
Jul 27, 2011
5:23 AM
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Hey Guys,
I've been wondering about something and maybe you can give me some advice. I don't have much extra money and as are many I am loaded with debt. For most things I want I save some money out of my weekly lunch money for work. I scraped up some cash for a C harp, an A (both SP20) and Delta frost in D a couple of months ago and that's what i practice with. I got a couple of books and 2 CD"s (Little Walter and Sonny boy II). I just got a surprise bonus from work which came at (same day actually) a time when we had a little financial emergency with one of our kids. Some money went to that and some for bills and I took $125 and bought 4 more harps from Rockin' Rons. Special 20's in Bb, G and an F along with a Marine Band in C. I have an old E laying around so now I have 7 keys. I figured that was my next important step. He had the best price when you consider free shipping.
I still need some more CD's but am strapped for cash for a while and I also, sometime down the line, would like a Seydel soloist from Dave Payne.
I get up for work at 7:30 am and between me and my wife getting ready etc I get out of the house at 9:15 am. I get home at 10:30 pm and back to bed at 11. On weekends I take care of two babies (long story)and fullfill other obligations missed due to my tight weekly schedule.
That's my day and week(s). So time wise it is tough to squeeze in a private. I have seen privates for anywhere from around $40 or $45 and up. At the moment I don't have that money as much as I think privates would be great.
Here is the thing. Figuring all this in, by the time I get up some extra cash to take a private plus getting the time in my schedule, it would be awhile. Then, that is around 30 minutes lesson time and by the time I could get another lesson in would be who knows when...months...a year? I know privates are great but just one? Two? Two spread over a year? Would it be worth it.
I (luckily) am able to read a lot at work and get a whole lot of internet time. My job is odd like that. So I am able to learn things by watching videos and stuff like Michael Rubins lessons etc...but I can't play other than a few minutes (or not) in my car. I can't be on the phone either. I also watch a lot of technique instruction but can't play along.
By the way I'm talking about privates via Skype
Any thoughts on the private lesson issue. Should I just skip that idea?
Thanks....sorry for the rambling.
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
Last Edited by on Jul 27, 2011 5:29 AM
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tookatooka
2392 posts
Jul 27, 2011
6:16 AM
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Hi Tommy,
With the wealth of information and video tutorials on the internet, I'd say you are doing just fine.
I think the only other thing a private lesson would give you is feedback but hey! you can get that on here.
As you learn more each day with your harp playing you'll come to realise yourself where you need to improve and what to work on.
I'd be inclined to save your money until you can have a set of lessons on say a weekly or monthly basis. I don't think the odd one here and there would be much use.
I'm sure there are plenty out there that would shoot me down but if it was me. I'd wait a bit.
When you post your videos you get plenty of feedback don't you? and there are lots of top notch players on here who are only too pleased to guide you. That's only my opinion.
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The Iceman
46 posts
Jul 27, 2011
6:19 AM
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check out what Jerry Portnoy is up to....
http://harpjunction.com/forum/bb-login.php
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The Iceman
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Michael Rubin
202 posts
Jul 27, 2011
7:23 AM
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Tommy:
Email me offlist to discuss a personal rate that will enable you to take private lessons as much as possible.
Michaelrubinharmonica@Gmail.com
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arzajac
589 posts
Jul 27, 2011
7:32 AM
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Diggsblues offers Skype lessons for $20 per half hour.
I have thought of taking lessons and he's probably the first lone I'd call. He's taking a break from the forum, apparently...
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Tommy the Hat
147 posts
Jul 27, 2011
8:22 AM
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Thanks guys. Price makes a difference and $20 is certainly good! But it still becomes a matter of choosing where my $20 goes when you don't have more than one 20 to spare...lol. When I spend $20 on a book or a couple of CD's or anything I might want to treat myself to it is usually something I have to plan and scrape up the "extra" 20 over a week or two...sometimes three. I'm still trying to scrape up $20 to purchase a Gussow lesson!!
And again (and thank you Michael) I'm not looking for a handout or a favor or anything cheaper than what everyone else pays; that's not my point here. Only advice on the value of such lessons if they would be few and far between...which they would.
I spent hours yesterday on the free lessons I got from that Hohner deal with David Barret. That was very informative and I am only through the Fundamental section for beginners thus far. 2.5 weeks left of freebees...lol. I was able to spend the time because my car needs a new transmission and is in the shop for the week so i couldn't go to work yesterday or today.
Michal Rubin's Youtube theory stuff has been helpful too; very much so. I finished lesson 41 the other day at work. Going over various vids from Adam, Jason, and anyone else I can find has also helped even video's of you guys here on the Forum. I sure learned a good deal from Sorin as far as following his tabs and backing tracks and practicing along. The new harps coming should help me have more options for playing along also. I've got Dave Barret's book and CD on Technique....great stuff. I'm working tongue blocking now. And of course I'm working on my vocals but that's another story...lol.
I know private lessons are great but I was just wondering about the value of just one. Then maybe another somewhere down the road etc. Doing them regularly would be very tough. I've been an instructor since 1989 (non music related) so know the value of private tutoring. I actually do private lessons. But I even have a hard time scheduling those in and am forced to cancel a lot.
I have to ponder this. Like has been said. There is a lot of good info out there right now.
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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Shoulders
65 posts
Jul 27, 2011
9:33 AM
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Hey Tommy,
I am having lessons with Michael Rubin and my advice would be to study all of his video lessons so you know them inside out, then take up his great offer for as many lessons as you can.
Even one would bring on your playing enormously.
A skills check with Michael and some theory would set you up for months of practice time.
There are players on this forum who have also offered free Skype chats so that may be another option inbetween the lessons, Harpdude has mentioned Skype hook ups and Bart has said he would be happy to answer any questions anyone raises (i appreciate time is another issue - just an idea).
I'm in the UK so the time difference could work well - you will have finished a 16 hour day then we could hook up!! Ha Ha - i now have three kids so can appreciate how hard juggling time is and how tough practice is after a long day.
There are an incredible amount of free resources, but unless you enrol on the Howard or Dave style websites they lack structure (Michael for example has a course that he teaches people)
I reckon a mixture of free resources, very occasional paid lessons, throwing plentiful questions/ videos onto this forum and blagging free lessons would do you fine.
Go well
James
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JInx
18 posts
Jul 27, 2011
9:46 AM
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sheesh!, you don't need money to learn harmonica. Just take one harp, go sit with it under a tree. Maybe sell a few special 20's and buy a mel bay book.
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harpwrench
508 posts
Jul 27, 2011
10:08 AM
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Tommy.....I wish I could get 8.5 hours of sleep a night, then mess around a couple hours before heading to work! Come on dude, you need to sacrifice some of that R&R and put the harp in your face! Without that, lessons are worthless.
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Jim Rumbaugh
541 posts
Jul 27, 2011
10:28 AM
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Your chance of being happy with one lesson every few months is very low.
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The WV State Harmonica Championship at The Diamond Teeth Mary Blues Festival Aug 27th & 28th 2011, Huntington,WV
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Tommy the Hat
148 posts
Jul 27, 2011
10:38 AM
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@harpwrench
Lol...yea, it might seem like that. There was a time when I would get up extra early sacrificing sleep to get things done that I had a passion for. I would get up at 5 am and workout. When I worked overnight shift I would train at 3 or 4 in the morning or on the way home from work. I went with less sleep and just "made time."
I'm 54 now and I was fighting until the age of 52 just 3 months from being 53. I trained hard and did what I had to do to be in shape. I was fighting 25 and 30 year olds. Been doing that since I was a kid. At 51 I was fighting full contact "bare knuckle." Sleep? Rest? a couple of hours to "mess around" in the morning? I made use of my time.
Two years ago I suffered a heart attack. My life changed a little. I'm in good shape and I actually saved myself by being in good shape at my age. Within 5 weeks I was running ten flights of stairs and working the bags again. "BUT" my mornings aren't the same and I conk out early. Why? I couldn't tell you. It takes me hours to actually get going. That 1.5 -2 hours in the morning isn't messing around. It's waking up and also preparing special food I eat now (I'm at work through lunch and dinner so I pack it all). It is also rushing to eat and shower etc. I'm usually late getting out of the house. I can no longer work with less than 7-8 hours sleep. I'm doing really well but some things are just a little different. The important issue is that I drive an hour and a half each way to and from work. I have fallen asleep a few times when having not enough sleep and it isn't a pleasant experience. Maybe my meds add to it....like I said, I don't know. My body has changed some. But I am doing better than most believe me. I'll give you 100 pushups right now...lol!
You are correct and I've used the same argument before in my own teaching/coaching. But my life has become complicated lately. My life is just a little different the past 2 years and while I'm not crying about it, some things these days are complicated. There are other personal family issues that are rather complex and that eat into my time but that's not anything for this forum :)
None of this is an excuse. Just some reasons. I have considered where I can make time. Believe me, my mornings are terrible.
Actually I do practice a lot. Not as much as I would like, but I practice. There are times I practice for hours. I've gone 3 hours at times (RARELY)...others 1 or 2, other times 10 minutes. . It is just a matter of scheduled practice such as private lessons that is hard. Squeezing in playing time "when I can" is not as hard. The issue isn't about time or practice, I make practice time where I can. Did a couple of hrs today. It is about $$ which would make lessons available in scattered increments. That "combined with" time may make it longer. The question is "is it worth it?"
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
Last Edited by on Jul 27, 2011 10:58 AM
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belfast_harper
269 posts
Jul 27, 2011
11:08 AM
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Tommy, have you tried practicing while driving to and from work?
I don't drive much myself, so I don't know how safe or legal it is, but it could give you 3 hours practice time a day and might keep you awake.
Edit - I jsut read you post and realised that practice time isn't an issue.
Last Edited by on Jul 27, 2011 11:10 AM
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harpwrench
509 posts
Jul 27, 2011
11:35 AM
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Okay Tommy, guess I'll let ya off this time then :)
I think the best answer I have about the lessons is....
It depends. What is your learning style? Lessons for me consisted of occasionally going to players I admired and had access to. The lessons were them telling me "you gotta tongue block", "figure out how to TB you blow bends", "here, listen to this cat", or "the notes come from your toes, deep down." And I went home and worked it out by listening/rewinding recordings a thousand times. What do you want to learn, and how do you like to learn?
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Tommy the Hat
149 posts
Jul 27, 2011
11:53 AM
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I play sometimes while driving but it gets a little hairy sometimes so I try not to anymore. But again, you re-read my post so you know it's not about practice time :)
Harpwrench
I think I'm learning a lot by watching videos and reading as well as playing to backing tracks and CD's. I don't really have a problem doing a lot of things...tremolos, wah's,bending, tongue blocking, etc. It is more of using those things naturally and musically. I think my bends are fine, I can do octaves fairly well but can never figure out where to put them...lol. I can't seem to "use" them in a song. So I continue my practice and study..all in good time I guess.
I guess at this point it's about developing chops. I could probably squeeze a skype lesson in at some point but...and this was my point originally....between that lesson and the next one may be who knows how long. I was wondering if I'd be better off continuing on my current path, maybe purchase some lessons that I could view at my pace. Also some CD's to round out my collection and try to copy/learn from (the masters).
Thanks to all
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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belfast_harper
271 posts
Jul 27, 2011
2:27 PM
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Tommy,check out
http://www.youmissedmonday.com/
This is Joe Filisko's website for his weekly harmonica class, it is update most weeks and it is a good place to source tabs from. This week there is a George Harmonica Smith tab with a few octaves in it.
I don't have regular skype lessons, but the odd lesson here and there has helped me.
I have had skype lessons with a few different instructors, and they are good if you need help with a new technique or a feedback on something, but to get the best out of skype you need to find the right instructor for you and know what you want to learn.
Last Edited by on Jul 27, 2011 3:21 PM
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Ant138
1038 posts
Jul 27, 2011
11:15 PM
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Hey Tommy,
as for C.D.'s i think its well worth going to Amazons market place. I pick up most of my Blues C.D.'s for between £1-3 each and i'll buy a couple a month.
Ive found listening to the harp(whenver i cant play it)helped me loads.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/fiendant?feature=mhum
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Tommy the Hat
150 posts
Jul 28, 2011
4:59 AM
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I'm way ahead of you Ant...lol. I buy all my books and CD's from the Market place. My last book cost me $2 and I got a couple of CD's totaling around $15, one was used and one was actually new.
Thanks
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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joeleebush
304 posts
Jul 28, 2011
6:42 AM
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You may be in the middle of what I call "information overload". Too many things coming at you at the same time. Therefore your mind becomes your worse enemy instead of being your ally
Lessons = $$$$$. Do you really NEED them or do you just WANT them. The web is filled with enough lessons to keep you busy for 5 years.
Back off and idle a little.
Pick out ONE harmonica instrumental and listen to it and work on it until the very sound of it disgusts you.
THEN...you will probably have that tune under your belt (and all the licks that go with it).
Start with L.Walter's "Thunderbird". (forget the chromatic parts unless you own a chromatic). Its in D and the diatonic is a G. When you play that letter perfect, THEN, you're on your way.
I tell this to all my intermediate students. "Don't come back until you can play this tune...telephone me anytime and play it for my analysis".
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Hondo
156 posts
Jul 28, 2011
7:56 AM
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When I get the bug for something I emerse myself in it because I have found a passion. I know that with all of the web pages saved, spiral books with pages and pages of notes and riffs etc.,etc.,ETC., that I have aquired, what I need is to drop back, get away from what joelee describes as "information overload". I have it and have reverted to playing rhythms and working out from there. Maybe it's like tennis where your forehand is great and your backhand sucks. STOP playing matches and go to work on your backhand. In the long run, you'll be a better player.
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Tommy the Hat
151 posts
Jul 28, 2011
8:42 AM
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Thanks Joe lee and Hondo, it makes sense and I was thinking along those lines this morning. I was thinking about making a video of myself doing all the harp techniques to get a view of myself. Not a song, just techniques. Octaves, tongue blocking, slaps, single notes, shakes, warbles, crescendos, tremolos, vibrato, bends etc etc. I can do all that stuff, so instruction in that area isn't the issue. It's just putting it all together while playing or using it all musically and tastefully. My playing skill is still beginner like, especially soloing and what you guys said above is what I'm thinking now too. I need to practice songs and putting these fundamentals to use in songs. I need to be able to use these techniques effortlessly; which comes down to practice. More fundemental practice and applying them playing a song till I can do it backwards.
I got a lot out of this thread and more resources. I have found over the years that it is a benefit to ask questions. It usually opens a few doors and you learn something new. I've gotten some links as well as ideas here.
Thanks
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
Last Edited by on Jul 28, 2011 8:44 AM
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Hondo
157 posts
Jul 28, 2011
9:01 AM
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Tommy, I'm not saying that my techniques are as good as yours, but I could have written your last post.
"It's just putting it all together while playing or using it all musically and tastefully."- ME
"I need to practice songs and putting these fundamentals to use in songs."- ME
I am to the point that I can listen to songs and know what alot of the licks are that are being played. Then I think- Damn, he really didn't play anything that tough. It shouldn't be as hard as I'm making it. Then I pick up the harp and get a feeling of being somewhat lost on what to play or what I do play doesn't go together as cool.
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Andy Ley
146 posts
Jul 29, 2011
12:16 AM
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@Tommy the Hat:
Are there any jam nights in your local area you would be able to make the time to get to? I know you said time is tight, but it was said to me a few months ago on this forum and after doing it myself I believe it to be true - you will learn more in 20 minutes of playing with other musicians than you will in 20 hours of solo practice.
If you can find even one night per month (or e try-other month) to get there, play and have a chat with fellow minded musicians I think you would reap the rewards very quickly, and seeing what you don't know on stage gives you plenty of things to work on between then and the next jam, it focuses your mind and your learning brilliantly!
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Tommy the Hat
155 posts
Jul 29, 2011
6:15 AM
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Well, I have thought about this and am applying a sort of Zen mind to it. I'm going to relax and just play. One step at a time. I'll take what I know and add to it daily through practice. Time will dictate how much. Some days it will be a lot some not as much. Yesterday I got to sit in my (hot) car for 20 minutes at work, the day before I got an hour at home. I'll work with what I've got and not worry about what I don't. Things come......I'll just keep moving and see what does come. The key is to keep moving, if you stop you grow moss. The problem arises when you rush or want everything before its time. I used to make my own beer. As in wine making, you have to be patient and let it sit and mature. I'm gonna play and grow. I said it before and I seem to have forgotten my own words. It's not the goal that is important in many endeavors, it's the journey. One step at a time...I'll get there.
"You can't move a mountain, but you can move a stone. Move enough stones and you've moved a mountain."
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Tommy
Bronx Mojo
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