[Harp-L] no standards of harmonica accomplishment

[JWilliam Thompson <landcommentary@xxxxxxxxx>]

Phil Duncan is right. The fact that anybody can teach him or herself
harmonica means that there is no standard of accomplishment. This is a
serious problem for acceptance of the instrument.

I know of at least two local "players" who confidently advertise themselves
as harmonica players. They are both very nice people,
but neither of them can play blues licks or rhythm chops, much less play
any kind of tune. But in their own minds, they are fully accomplished
players and tout themselves as such.

With another instrument, say a guitar, most people who listen to  music can
clearly distinguish between a beginning guitarist, an intermediate player,
and someone who is really good. Listeners do not have a similar yardstick
with harmonica, because there is no generally understood standard of
accomplishment.

This is a major problem for advancement of harmonica as an instrument.

Bill in DC