I just wanted to introduce myself, and say thanks to Mr. Gussow and the rest of you for all the help and info you have here. For a week or so now I have been reading these forums, learning, cursing, and sometimes even laughing. I almost feel like I kinda have gotten to know some of you guys.
I am currently living in NW Houston, and music is my passion. I was hoping to find a good mentor through this website. I have played woodwinds (rock,jazz,jamband) for 18 years, self taught. Harp for 5-6 years mostly melodic Jazz. I am just now realizing how much faster I could have gotten to where I am if I had found a teacher, or better yet a mentor. Not to mention the extra fun I could have had.
If there is anyone out there in my area who wants to give lessons of a more intense nature (3-4 hours day?) Please send me a message, with your number and I will call you soon. I am also interested in skype, but I have never tried it.
I really dig your videos Mr. Gussow, and just wanted to say thanks so much. You are one of the reasons I have stayed with the harp over the years. It must feel really good to help out so many people the way you do.
I wanna learn the blues. I need to learn chords better, and just generally become nasty on the Blues Harp. I wanna summon dead spirits and stuff lol:)
I wish I had a dime for every time I was asked this week, where are your clips?
The truth is, I haven't gigged much or recorded anything new in over 6 years. And I am no longer willing to show my earlier stuff. (cuz that was when I only played sax like a mere mortal heheh)
I will be doing a smooth jazz project later this year, and want to feature Tenor sax, flute and diatonic harp. But to answer your question better, I will be making some sample this week. I know I should have them for you.
The thing the Sax has taught my ear is to be able to duplicate lots of single note riffs and melodies right after I hear them. Like a parrot bird or something. Now I am finding that I am beginning to be able to do that with my diatonics when I hear harp licks. But chords and positions, and knowing what to do and what to grab regardless of the key the guitarist is playing would be really nice.
Thanks for the reply
Last Edited by on Jan 07, 2011 5:50 PM
I live in Austin and teach by skype. $45 per hour. Check out my Youtube series (believe me, the first video's harp distortion gets fixed by the next video. The series makes me seem like a theory head, but I teach techniques and improvisation. References available.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions at Michaelrubinharmonica@Gmail.com Thanks, Michael Rubin Michaelrubinharmonica.com My website, with testimonials and info.
@Todd P: do you give lessons ? Since we are close in proximity that could work out. Or better yet, why don't you drop by for a visit and bring your harp !
You've turned up on this forum at an auspicious moment when good fellowship seems to be breaking out in every corner. Welcome! If anything I've put into cyberspace has kept you on the path, I'm happy about that.
$45/hr is a good deal and Michael Rubin will guide you well. If you're looking for three hours of daily guidance from a harp guru, however, you'll do better to do as Deak Harp did: he became James Cotton's driver and actually lived in Cotton's basement. That's an immersion experience, paid for with sweat equity. You might think about that sort of thing, if you're crazy enough and can afford the time.
That was a good video MR. I like the way you think. Sorry for buttin in on your intro thread earwax. I'm very new here as well but welcome from another newbie.
@AG: the tent and mower are in the truck, still waiting for your answer.
Last Edited by on Jan 08, 2011 7:03 AM
Mr. Gussow, I will let my dogs hunt down and eat any varmits living in your woods, and also cut your grass in exchange for some mentoring. j/k
ncpacemaker: No worries, it is good to meet you too. The more people in my first thread the merrier. You did nothing wrong man. It's all good brother.
Mr. Rubin,
I will try emailing or calling you today. I like what I saw in your video, but was hoping to get that rate down a bit maybe with a package deal or something. Otherwise, I can not afford the type of intense study that I was hoping for. But I am very interested in learning hands on from you if and when I can afford to.
Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate the warm welcome, and the advice.
Last Edited by on Jan 08, 2011 7:09 AM
Earwax i can help you I told you that over the phone ..the other day .... Im still waiting for you to call ....Better do it before the Full Moon ...things get crazy here when the Tide is Up ..... ---------- Have Harp Will Travel
I don't have my phone charger with me today. I did get your message, and have not blown you off. I really liked your videos.
If you move to Austin, please consider me as a potential student. The telephone lessons are also intriguing to me. When I call you on Monday, lets talk more about it.
Thanks for trying to help me Deak. You seam like a very talented and knowledgeable stand up guy, and you were very generous with your time and offers to me the other day. I am glad I met you.
Hey Earwax, I'm from Austin but now live in Houston. Definitely get some good lessons but also come to the jams and get steeped in it.
On the next page there's a thread called @Shanester and Htownfess embedded a link to several jams. I've been doing the Big Easy but am going to check out others.
