I just want to let let you know that i've decided to make a bunch of Youtube videos, sharing MY understanding of diatonic harmonica, some "lessons" and some advices....Are you happy with it?
It's a matter of fact, Adam Gussow, Ronnie Shellist, Paul Lassey and Jason, are doing a way better job in that area that I'll ever be able to achieve, but MAY BE some of the things I've understood, will be able to help some of you.
This is not an attempt to drag customers, but it's been a while that many harp players ask me to share my knowledge (Chris Michalek was often saying that I was not sharing my views to explain my understanding)
Christelle, I am happy to see you mention Chris here as we near the first anniversary of his passing. I know he ran you away from here with his critical responses. Many of us have had our rounds with him including myself. And now I find that I miss that ole fart. It's kinda funny that over time; especially after an untimely death in his case that we remember the positives and let the negatives go. It's a good thing.
Well, that's 15 minutes of my life I'll never get back.
Ha! Just kidding. :D
Even if I already know how to breathe (Understanding your message in the video), it is very revealing that you consider that you consider this topic to be important enough to be your first lesson. It means (to me) that I need to pay more attention to this aspect of the foundations than I have been.
Nice lesson. You have a good way of speaking and explaining what you are teaching. This lesson on breathing applies equally well to singing (just had my first singing lesson this past weekend). I'll be watching the rest. Thanks! ----------
" it is very revealing that you consider that you consider this topic to be important enough to be your first lesson."
Yes that's right...I mean for me, to start these free lessons, it's obvious to treat the most important thing first, this is our engine in fact, if this part is not treated first, everything else will be difficult
I thought it was a good first lesson and I agree with the importance of breathing not just in harp playing but in many things. Living being the first! But it is a good foundation and part of the message of the video was foundation building. Opinions will always vary as to where the best starting point is and what may be most important in any endeavor. But I am a firm believer in breaking things down to their smaller elements and finding out what makes a technique tick. Then, in many instances an exercise can be found to strengthen the smaller parts before putting them back together. The trick is putting things together completely and smoothly blended like a stew; not like separate food items sorted around the plate. it needs to flow.
I teach fighting in various aspects as an example. When some coaches/instructors teach a punch for instance, they start with the hands. Others focus on the trunk or hips. I begin at the feet and connection to the ground.
LOL, I just thought of something....I include breathing (diaphragmatic) also!
Good instructional, I don't recall seeing another 'how to breathe' for wind instruments on youtube. You know, I think I do both types of breathing depending on a number of things. I think I learned diaphragm breathing from martial arts from a few years ago & it seems natural to me. Though at the same time if I'm rushing around or whatever I can catch myself shallow breathing. I bet while playing harmonica I go back & forth. So maybe I just need to focus to get there.
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Steven Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
@lil ripper - did Shakespeare have it wrong? "The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones." Oh wait, he was talking about politicians, not musicians.
@ryanmortos - I seem to remember Mr. Gussow giving us a brief glimpse of his heaving abdominals in an early lesson.
What a coincidence. I just gave a trombone lesson for the first time in 40 years, and the first thing I noticed about the student was his breathing. I spent 15 minutes covering what you just explained. I am particularly sensitive to this topic because I have a little bit of congestive heart failure (diastolic) so that breath is at a premium. Thank you for making the effort to speak English. Don't lose the accent, though.
