Re: teaching holes 2 and 3

[mlpratt@xxxxxxx]

Ludo makes a good point, when he said "This might be a point of attention - 
getting straight notes versus bends is very tricky for many people in the 
beginning."

There is an expression; "If you don't know where you are going, any road will 
take you there."  Well, at least it will take you somewhere, but maybe not 
where you want to be.

A student needs to know what is expected of them.  What notes are they hoping 
to get out of each hole?  Start by demonstrating the notes to be found in a 
given hole, both straight and at the various bend points for the hole.  This 
establishes the destination.  Next, figure out what road will get you there.

Now you can explain various techniques for achieving a bent note.  Or in the 
case of most beginners, a bent sound.  Of course they'll sound awful at first, 
as they slide thorugh notes while attempting to gain control of the sound.  
This is OK.  It will help them eventually to learn the technique for 
controlling the sound they are making.  As control increases, they will find it 
easier to find the actual notes they are looking for.  Having shown them, up 
front, what should be expected in terms of notes playable in a given hole will 
help them know when they did it "right".  

Best Regards to All,

Larry Boy Pratt