Re: [Harp-L] losing air on blow notes

["Rick Dempster" <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

In teaching groups over many years, I find a lot of people who have no control or even awareness of the role the pharynx (soft palate) plays in playing harp.
I suggest a useful exercise in this regard might be blowing up a balloon, which requires the pharynx to block the airways to the nose; then, holding the inflated or partly inflated balloon still in the mouth, try expelling air through the nostrils while keeping pressure in the balloon.
Beginners often have trouble isolating draw 2 without bending. Allowing some air through the nose while still drawing through the mouth will solve this, but you need pharynx/soft palate awareness.
RD

>>> "Abner Galdos" <cdgaldos@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> 25/04/2009 0:21 >>>
Sorry skip I'm still laughing... the nose plugs was my first idea as I read the first line.

I'm a total beginner myself and that was never a problem. I use to do a lot of swimming and snorkeling when I was a kid.  So no using my nose came naturally.... 
I can give you some  very dumb suggestion.
Buy a cheap set of snorkel's and fill your tube. you will learn fast not to use your nose or drown.  I told you it was dumb.

Buy the worst smelling chess you can find leave it in the sun ( in a tight container ) and open the jar ( out side ) and breath with your month... this way you wont drown and you will know the moment you use your nose..
you can paint the nose plugs to match your face tone, or paint it with some wild design, who knows ( get it ) you may make millions on the idea,,,, I will settle for some custom harps and gears....
I'm sorry dude, I'm not trying to make fun here.  I'm sure the other guys can give you real advice.

abner ( Blueyes, who knows only the knows know)
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Craig (Skip) Effress 
  To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 10:53 AM
  Subject: [Harp-L] losing air on blow notes


  Hello All....I am an advanced beginner on harp, and I'm having a 
  problem....I am finding that I am losing (wasting) air through my nose 
  on blow notes.....If I use two fingers to pinch my nose on blow notes, 
  my volume is much stronger, and I can play more notes on the 
  exhale....I've considered wearing swimmer's noseplugs, but don't think 
  I'd care for the "look".....Does anyone have any tips to help with this 
  problem I'm having?   Thanks very much.....Skip 

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_______________________________________________
Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org 
Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx 
http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l