Harp Study
29 posts
Apr 04, 2014
10:55 AM
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I was just wondering if anyone else has the same issue I have where your practice plan/routine tends to be a little ADHD and wander around more than it should; and if so how some others deal with this tendency.
My practice plan seems to always be wandering and I think it causes my progress to really be slowed down. Rather than staying on one thing I get tired of it or just get distracted and moving on to something else.
For instance I might begin working through a song by ear and never finish it or start a lesson book and never go all the way through it. I have lesson videos where I've not completed the entire thing. I've watched and worked through a lot of Adams youtube videos, but I originally intended to do them all and haven't yet done that.
I think part of the problem stems from the fact that my goals seem equally as liquid. For instance I might really want to work on amplified harp for a little while than I decided I want to work on more Sonny Terry & Phil Wiggins type stuff, but no wait I want to play one man band stuff like Adam or do I want to play like Popper. I never seem to lock down what my actual goal is which is likely why my practice changes all the time.
Just curious if this is just me or if others go through this as well.
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The Iceman
1579 posts
Apr 04, 2014
11:13 AM
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You won't make much progress until you change your philosophy.
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The Iceman
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sonny3
161 posts
Apr 04, 2014
12:06 PM
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Yeah, I'm all over the place too.I'm trying to buckle down and play one thing until I Master it. some times it's like what the heck am I doing here.
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MindTheGap
424 posts
Apr 04, 2014
12:21 PM
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I know what you mean. The biggest source of distraction is right here: MBH - pretty much every day I read about something new, or hear a new tune or player or use of a technique. But it's an education and I wouldn't want to be without that element.
What I do is have one or two major things I'm working on at any one time. That's your meat and potatoes. Then I can also enjoy the pudding of trying other things.
BTW (for Iceman) I'm not claiming this is the most efficient way, just saying what I do. Meat and potatoes, then pudding. Then cheese, coffee and mints. :-) And a brandy.
I mean, who wouldn't hear this one (posted by atty1chgo just the other day) and want to have a go at it? I'd never heard it before.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Apr 04, 2014 12:23 PM
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robbert
299 posts
Apr 04, 2014
2:31 PM
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Wanting to perform, join, or start a band will focus you pretty quickly.
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Rubes
840 posts
Apr 04, 2014
2:42 PM
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There's a lot like us Harp Study! Just keep putting that thing back in your mouth........ :~{#}
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Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
Dads in Space at Reverbnation
Benny and Rubes at Reverbnation
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Barley Nectar
347 posts
Apr 04, 2014
4:59 PM
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Yep, keep it in your mouth. I have never had a practice routine per say. Have never tried to emulate anybody. Seldom even listened to recorded harmonica except Magic Dick. So now after 41 years of playing jam sessions and playing along with any song that comes up on the radio, (if I can find the key). I am now welcome on stage with some of the best bands between Pittsburgh and Erie! IMO, there is no right or wrong. Whatever works for you is the way to go. Just keep playing and grinning...Goose
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DukeBerryman
317 posts
Apr 04, 2014
5:06 PM
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There's a place called Guitar Center Studios nearby, and they rent practice spaces. I've started renting rooms for practice so I can be as loud as I need to be, and make as much terrible harmonica practice noises as I want. But I also like it because it forces me to be productive and more disciplined in my practice. Then, outside of the practice space, I can relax and do whatever. I do it 2-3 times a month.
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Frank
4116 posts
Apr 04, 2014
5:54 PM
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What you describe is a rite of passage for those of us who are dilettantes...Eventually we'll realize the importance of focusing on something musical that we are truly passionate about - because musical clumsiness is no fun :)
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JustFuya
41 posts
Apr 04, 2014
10:23 PM
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@Duke
That's an excellent idea. Rent a space. You are committed to practice and there are no thin wall issues. Good on you.
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STME58
732 posts
Apr 04, 2014
11:27 PM
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" - because musical clumsiness is no fun :)" Brilliant!! there's a lot in that statement. If thats not a reason to practice I don't know what is.
Last Edited by STME58 on Apr 04, 2014 11:28 PM
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Harp Study
31 posts
Apr 05, 2014
6:03 AM
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Glad to hear I am not the only one with this issue. The internet has provided us with some great information for a harp player but often I think there is so much information that we can get overloaded.
I will just try keep working on stuff and let the journey take as long as it takes.
@Duke: that is a good idea. Like you said it work force you to be productive and no volume issues.
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DukeBerryman
319 posts
Apr 05, 2014
7:50 AM
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@HarpStudy Also, the regular Guitar Center nearby is going to start to rent out practice rooms. So maybe it's a thing that will be available at a lot of Guitar Centers. Or maybe they're going to build more of these "Guitar Center Studios". Right now it's 2 hour minimum, $16 per hour for the small room.
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rockmonkeyguitars
50 posts
Apr 05, 2014
11:36 PM
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I always start a practice by running scales. I do the major scale in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 12th position. Then I do the blues pentatonic scale in 2nd and 3rd position. I also through in a couple modes. This is really just a warmup that I spend 10 or 15 min on before I start practicing whatever song I feel like playing.
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MindTheGap
425 posts
Apr 06, 2014
3:23 AM
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Harp Study. Don't know if you have a teacher, but I think a lot of it for me is about that. When I learned piano, the idea was you go to a teacher and they take you down a more or less linear path, feeding you the right materials techniques and pieces. Learning without a teacher, you have to work out the path as well.
And there are many choices of path. I feel a song coming on.
If you do rent a practice room, you'll be able to turn your new VHT RIGHT UP! Ha!
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mtg
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