dchurch
12 posts
Jan 13, 2016
9:58 AM
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A recent comment made me curious.
How many folks here play exclusively for your own pleasure, or rarely in front of others?
And why, and when if ever have you played for others…?
I consider myself a pretty decent and avid player, but I almost exclusively play when I am alone. I don’t mind if someone can overhear me but I’ve only played a few times intentionally in front of folks.
It’s not that I have performance phobia. I have a formal music background that included trumpet solos in front of crowds…
I’m not exactly sure why but I consider my harmonica playing to be kind of personal. I do know that I play because I want to and not to impress or entertain anyone.
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It's about time I got around to this.
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cyclodan
133 posts
Jan 13, 2016
10:14 AM
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While I do practice alone, I would rather practice with a guitarist. Music is an emotional language. I love the give and take between different players and the involvement of an audience. Sitting and playing all alone feels like talking to myself :)
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Littoral
1330 posts
Jan 13, 2016
10:14 AM
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Impressing yourself, I think, is important. The quest/challenge is the drive. Just today I was trying to get someone I know to try some fiddle tunes, she's a classical trained violinist and she wants it to happen. The conversation came to her asking if it was ok for just her to have fun. I told her sure, at home. It's often true that if you're having fun the people will come with you, but not necessarily.
So I told her the one and only band rule:
Make the women happy, everything else takes care of itself.
Last Edited by Littoral on Jan 13, 2016 10:16 AM
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Barley Nectar
1049 posts
Jan 13, 2016
10:32 AM
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I play alone fairly often. But i play along with the radio or a cd so not truly alone. I enjoy the challenge of finding the right key, sometimes I never do. This is my "practice" if you will. Also cool that the music source never screws up.
I also play in front of others fairly often but never solo. It's all about the musical interaction for me. I really don't care if there is a audience. Empty bar is fine with me as long as the other musicians are into it. I do enjoy a loaded dance floor, cranked amps, smoke, sweat dripping off the players. I guess I just love it all. I'm a whore!..BN
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Rontana
259 posts
Jan 13, 2016
11:03 AM
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On the rare occasion, I might play with a couple of very good friends. The other 99% of the time it's solo stuff or jam tracks on my own. Harp is something I enjoy as much as just about anything I've ever done . . . and for the life of me I couldn't tell you why. It just feels right and real. It's where I tend to go - the thing I reach for - when I'm in a good mood, bad mood, happy, sad, or anyplace in between.
I've been surprised at just how deeply this silly little instrument has become a part of my life.
But performing . . . no interest in it at all (less than none, if that's possible). If I were to ever make a bucket list, playing in front of a rowdy crowd (or even a sedate one) wouldn't even make it to the page. Just not in my DNA
Last Edited by Rontana on Jan 13, 2016 11:12 AM
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Blowhead9
31 posts
Jan 13, 2016
11:22 AM
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I've been playing out on other instruments for a long time, but never on harp. Would like to gain ebough facilty to do so, but it's definitely a struggle and if I don't get there that's OK.
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For every moment of triumph, every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled. HST
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nacoran
8881 posts
Jan 13, 2016
12:28 PM
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Intrinsic vs. extrinsic... I play a lot for myself, but mostly that's because I get nervous around crowds- not playing, I could jump up on stage at the Super Bowl and be fine, but the interaction with strangers before and after the show wears me out in a hurry. If I have a few friends with me as a buffer I'm fine, but getting friends out on a regular basis can be tough (our guitar player just had a baby a couple days ago- or rather, his gf did).
I learned to play the baritone as a kid as part of school organized band. We had lessons that we had to learn. My teacher was lousy. He made the process of doing lessons soul killing. There were four of us who shared lessons, 3 trombone players and me with my baritone. 2 of the kids weren't very good. They practiced but never seemed to get any better. I'd forget to practice and do alright, but this other trombone player always wanted to make it a contest. If I practiced as much as I was supposed to I probably could have been as good as him, but like I said, the lessons were soul crushingly boring. The instructor had no knack for teaching.
Anyway, I tried a couple other instruments, guitar, piano, but had problems with the tendons in my wrist so gave them up. When it came time to learn harmonica I decided I was going to do it just for myself- no outside pressure. For 6 months I played all day. If I was watching TV I was playing every commercial, and if the show got boring I'd play through the show. I got to the point where I could play simple songs, but no one knew I was playing. I had fun.
I think the learning curve on a lot of things- instruments, sports, whatever, involve a stage where you aren't going to sound good unless you are the reincarnation of SBW or Babe Ruth, when you aren't good enough to entertain yourself. At some point though, if you stick with it, you get to the point where you are doing it because you can entertain yourself and have enough progress so it doesn't feel hopeless.
I was lucky. I'd done some songwriting and occasional singing with a band before and when I started playing harmonica in front of other people I started jamming with a friend from the previous band. Mostly we were just playing to write songs, but eventually we started playing out occasionally. At one point we were a 5 piece band and starting to look for paying gigs, and it all sort of happened by accident. We played because we liked playing and at some point we felt we needed feedback to get to the next level.
Unfortunately, my friend, who sang lead on about 1/2, wrot maybe 1/2 the songs and played rhythm guitar really simply so I wouldn't get lost on the songs I was singing, flaked on us just as we were getting good, and that whole 'nervous around strangers' thing has made it hard to get back into the groove. I still do the occasional open mic and the bass player and I are still recording. On average I'd say we get together to jam once or twice a month though, which isn't quite enough at our level to keep sharp enough to do shows (especially since on most of our recordings he plays guitar and bass on separate tracks!)
I really did make a conscious decision when I took up harp to focus on doing it for myself and not to overwhelm myself with goals, but that was because I know that when I set up to many goals I get frustrated when I don't reach them, which gets me sour on doing anything related to it. For me, playing for myself meant I played a lot more than I would have if I had specific goals... but that's just how I've found I learn, being a guy who gets stressed over things easily.
All that said, a group of us used to go to open mics just to watch for a few years. We went every week, and the only complaint, support wise, I think you could make about the average crowd is that sometimes they are so eager to be supporting that they don't give you useful feedback. That's really good though, the first few times out, just to help get you over the jitters. Then find the people who can give you honest feedback and pointers. :)
-also, go to a couple open mics, particularly the smaller ones that have a wider range of talent. You'll see some great players, but you'll also find other people who are just getting out there for fun, or to get better. There used to be a guy who played a couple open mics. He was always sweating bullets and his voice was always cracking. You could tell that he was just a heartbeat away from a full on panic attack- but every week he came back, and every week he was a little more composed. You see someone like that a couple times, in that much of a panic, and you think to yourself, "If that guy can get up there, I can get up there."
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Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
First Post- May 8, 2009
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Ian
225 posts
Jan 13, 2016
12:33 PM
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I learnt to entertain myself and on occasion jam with friends and family.
Primarily I play for myself though.... It just makes me happy!
Its like a meditation.
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Goldbrick
1262 posts
Jan 13, 2016
1:29 PM
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Its kinda like sex- its fun with others but sometimes it makes sense to do it alone
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slaphappy
154 posts
Jan 13, 2016
1:40 PM
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I don't think it's "self-centered" in the traditional way you would think of such a term (selfishness, narcissism) to play only for yourself.
However, I do think music is meant to be shared. The thought of some awesome harp player who no one knows about because they only play in their bedroom just makes me sad.
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4' 4+ 3' 2~~~
-Mike Ziemba
Harmonica is Life!
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Barley Nectar
1051 posts
Jan 13, 2016
2:42 PM
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Hmm, how bout that. I think of a self centered player as one who would sell their mother's soul to be on that stage, regardless of their ability or who they step on to get up there. Funny how people see things differently...BN
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Frank101
135 posts
Jan 13, 2016
3:22 PM
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Yeah, "self-centered" has a well established meaning - it describes someone who thinks the world revolves around them, always looking out for Number 1, doesn't care about anybody else. And there's a lot of harp players like that! (And many of 'em are out there playing in bands!) But the OP doesn't seem to be about those guys.
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dchurch
13 posts
Jan 13, 2016
5:13 PM
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Some great responses,
Yes, to clarify the use of “self-centered” in the heading was a bit sarcastic. I don’t think there is anything wrong playing primarily by yourself for your own enjoyment. I was wondering if many folks here spend say 99% self time…
I can relate to parts of several comments. I do play along with the radio, Youtube… but not with people. I don’t have the desire to. Although I wouldn’t choose the word meditation I would agree with the concept and being in the zone.
Playing doesn’t always make me happy, sometimes it makes me sad as hell. It’s that weird kind of sad, like looking at old family photos.
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It's about time I got around to this.
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Harp Study
169 posts
Jan 13, 2016
6:33 PM
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I play by my self 98% of the time. Not really by choice, but that is how it works out. Like a lot of other posts I play to the radio and backing tracks, but I also like playing using a simple looper. I also play guitar, but I really enjoy making covers for songs using nothing, but the looper and harmonicas. They don't really sound that good, but I enjoy doing it and right now that is all that matters to me.
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KingoBad
1686 posts
Jan 13, 2016
7:42 PM
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I play a lot less by myself these days. I have rehearsal and then gigs. I get to invent a new lines when we work up something new, but I haven't been putting the time in that I know I should.
I play guitar a lot too, so that takes up a good chunk of practice time. And I just bought a mandolin that I don't really have time for, but it sure s fun.
All of them seem to feed off each other though, as I seem to work out similar ideas on all of the instruments.
I used to enjoy it as a solitary pursuit, but my real thrill is performing in a group, and performing live (and getting paid is nice too).
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Danny
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Killa_Hertz
226 posts
Jan 13, 2016
8:34 PM
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Dchurch... Exactly Bro. I'm right there with you.
I feel it to be quite personal. I don't play for anyone either. People have heard me play, or Overheard me play rather, but that's it.
It's hard to explain. But it's kind of ...... Zen or something. Idk. And it's something that's Mine. I know it sounds selfish, but i like it that way.
Doesnt mean I'll never play for people. Just right now I'm still enjoying it just being just me and the harp.
I play alone. Yeeeah. With nobody else. You know when i play alone, i prefer to be by myself. *Singing outta key** **dogs barking**
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth...
Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
Just a lil' HaHa HooHoo on the 3/4 - 4/5!
Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on Jan 13, 2016 8:45 PM
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STME58
1503 posts
Jan 13, 2016
9:14 PM
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I think most musicians spend a good deal of time playing alone. If you don't put in the time in the woodshed it will be hard to keep an audience interested!
I do find harp playing meditative and therapeutic. I play a lot alone, in the car, on the hillside etc. It is frequently not really focused enough to really be effective woodshedding, but it just feels good. Given the opportunity I would play with other musicians more, but one takes what one can get. I will do an occasional open mike, usually unaccompanied. I also like to sit in a public place and play. Balboa park is my favorite. It brings the level of playing up a bit but is still relaxing and it is interesting to see how people react. Most are very gracious and comments have been positive. I guess the crowds around me heed to the sage old advise of "if you can't say something nice...". I have gotten a couple of gigs from passers by.
Last Edited by STME58 on Jan 13, 2016 9:18 PM
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The Iceman
2797 posts
Jan 14, 2016
5:19 AM
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Self centered players, to me, play with a "Dig Me" attitude rather than "Dig how I add to the music" approach.
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The Iceman
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Killa_Hertz
229 posts
Jan 14, 2016
5:47 AM
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Well when people find out that i play they always say. "Cool, play somethin! "
Number one ... i feel like a performing monkey. And im just not into it.
Number B .... i don't have anything to just play. I mean what are you supposed to play? They want a 10 second riff that they recognise. I don't know how to play Metallica, Sorry.
It's just MY thing, Ya Kno?
Plus its the first instrument i can really play. So.... Maybe it ll wear off eventually and Ill share more ... lol.
I don't think I would mind as much playing for someone else who could play harp. Because they could appreciate what it is I'm playing.
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth...
Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
Just a lil' HaHa HooHoo on the 3/4 - 4/5!
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florida-trader
863 posts
Jan 14, 2016
6:55 AM
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This is an interesting thread. Both from the standpoint of seeing who among us is doing what and also the attitude about music in general. I too play mostly by myself, in the car and while walking my dogs. I try to be purposeful in my playing. I’m always working on something that I think will help me become a better player. In the past 3-4 years I have been a member of three groups. I have played with the Praise Team at church. I sang and played with a Gospel Quartet. And most recently I played with a bunch of guys that started out as Christian Rock but now has moved in the direction of playing mostly cover songs. All of it was fun. I gained some valuable experience from each situation. For example, with virtually all of the Praise Team and Gospel Quartet music, there were no “harmonica parts” for me to copy. I had to make up parts to fit in. As a classically trained musician who is used to having someone hand me sheet music and say, “play this”, making stuff up, particularly on the fly, is a different experience for me. I don’t get out to play at open mikes. I’m just too busy to dedicate a night out just to get in line in order to play a few songs. I do have a friend who is a local professional musician that plays 3 – 4 gigs a week and he will let me sit in any time I want, so if I need a fix, I can just go to wherever he is playing and he’ll call me up for a couple of songs. I think that ultimately I am working toward something that I’ve not gotten from any of these experiences. And that is to be a featured player. That might never happen. I have a very busy life and I don’t anticipate quitting my “day job” and going out on tour. It is unlikely that even if I did, that I have the talent to pull it off. But the practicing is my preparation to be ready should that moment present itself. Plus, the better I get the more confident I become and the more likely that I will seek to create the opportunity rather than just waiting for it to happen.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Jan 14, 2016 6:59 AM
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Diggsblues
1942 posts
Jan 14, 2016
10:15 AM
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Like an artist displays their paintings I display my work In front of audiences.
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mastercaster
196 posts
Jan 15, 2016
1:18 AM
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There's nothing like getting the folks listening/watching to tapping their feet and clapping their hands .. except, to get them on the dance floor !
I love to perform with a tight band, and, am actually quite surprised at the number of players here that say they have no interest in performing .. perhaps a lack of performance experience, playing in a tight unit generates those feeling's ?
Nothing bad meant by those last words .. there really is nothing like getting the audience to feel what you are laying down .
Last Edited by mastercaster on Jan 15, 2016 1:23 AM
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nowmon
50 posts
Jan 15, 2016
2:47 AM
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If you have spent many hrs. in the woodshed doing your own thing,than you should be out there with others doing the our thing...
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Gnarly
1607 posts
Jan 15, 2016
3:15 AM
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Hey, I can weigh in on this . . .
One of the things I enjoy about the harp is its portability. So I carry a harp most of the time. When I dropped off STME's low tuned Manji, I had him play it to try it (at a vegetarian restaurant near Balboa Park on a Saturday night), and when the table next to us started digging it, I whipped out my chromatic and we played together for a few seconds.
So I play a lot in public, and not just on stage.
However, harp is very personal, in ways most of us understand, and I don't think less of a person if they don't want to do what I do, and share it with people who have no interest in it!
I will be playing next week at NAMM, in an incredibly noisy convention hall (booth 5100), to demonstrate the fine Suzuki harmonicas. Come by and say hi if you attend.
Here's more . . . we live in a world where much is made of "virtual" things, and live music is less pervasive than recorded (which is increasingly "invasive"). Harmonica is extremely analog, even when you amplify it, and so manifests nature through its connection to the native world. Attempts to make harmonica digital have not yet succeeded!
A small amount of live harmonica playing "keeps it real". Try it and see if anyone likes it!
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Killa_Hertz
238 posts
Jan 15, 2016
4:44 AM
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Gnarly ... that s an interesting take.
I did mean to give the idea that i Never want to perform in a band situation or other wise. Just right Now that's not where I'm at.
I think it comes from still liking the personal aspect. It's very calming. And it feels a little like a personal relationship. Not in a wierd way, but u kno what i mean.
Also a bit , i think, because im still a lil new and don't really have a Huge amount of things to play. I definatly know enough to keep someone entertained for quite a while. But I really am not a person who likes to be in the spot light anyways.
I do aspire to play in a band at some point for sure. Just right now I'm content.
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......." Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys?" .......
Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on Jan 15, 2016 5:17 AM
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Buzadero
1270 posts
Jan 15, 2016
10:35 AM
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Masturbatory, yes. Self-pleasuring makes me happy.
In a one-on-one, couples setting, yes. Love the intimacy, but have a hard time with monogamy.
I also enjoy the multiple partner orgies, and frequently am an unabashed exhibitionist in public.
This is still a harmonica thread, right?
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
MBH poster since 11Nov2008
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dougharps
1113 posts
Jan 15, 2016
11:04 AM
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My greatest enjoyment in making music comes during musical interaction with other musicians, and in backing good singers. Comping and improvising as part of a group, be it a duo or full band, adds far more fun to music than playing solo. When it comes together (and you and your fellow musicians have to create the right setting for it) it is magical!
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Doug S.
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Grey Owl
522 posts
Jan 15, 2016
11:16 AM
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Buzdero. Careful mate you might get harpes.
Last Edited by Grey Owl on Jan 15, 2016 8:11 PM
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Buzadero
1271 posts
Jan 15, 2016
12:10 PM
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"Careful mate you might get harpes."
Nice one.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
MBH poster since 11Nov2008
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Goldbrick
1264 posts
Jan 15, 2016
3:03 PM
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I like to play with good musicians. That to me, is the thrill of music- the fleeting participatory art when its really cooking- the perfect high
I think one reason I have never had stage fright is because I dont play to the audience in the sense that they are my end consumer--I play to the other musicians I am working with.
If we cook- the audience should be happy - but I dont put them first
It also means I gig a lot less than I used too because I wont disrespect an audience by playing shit I dont like because I think it shows.
In fact I just turned down a good paying slot with a Stones tribute band because of this belief.
I dig the Stones but dont wanna play at being one
So I guess I am self centered because I play for myself but like to do it with other musicians= if that makes sense
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