Re: [Harp-L] Tongue Vibrato and Howard Levy

["Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think the "list" is short simply because the 'original' blues
masters ie: LW, BW, SB etc didn't do it and because 95% of all
players study those guys.  

The vibrato you speak of is a classical style vibrato; Violin, cello,
vocals etc...  The easiest way to lear is through singing.  Most
people have the ability to produce a tone and then vary it in pitch.
I suggest try singing first - a note not a song.

When I teach others I try to get them to whistle a tone and then add
vibrato - that is EXACTLY the same action that is inside my mouth.

Muscle memory?  I don't know. I know I don't have to think about
doing it and when I play, I don't think to add vibrato to a certain
note.  It just comes out.  Of course I can be intentional about it if
that's the effect I want.

As for me personally, I can't roll my tongue. I can do a belly flop
but not a belly wave. However my belly does jiggle if aggitated. I
think you maybe over analysing the vibrato thing.  Take a step back
and focus on yourself as a musician instead what the tongue is doing.
Learn to do it musicially without the harp and it will come lickity
split.

I'd be happy to give a vibrato lesson over the phone if somebody
wants to call. PM for my number.

Rock on dooods


Chris



>
>
>
>---- Original Message ----
>From: dzeller@xxxxxxxxxxx
>To: Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Tongue Vibrato and Howard Levy
>Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 20:33:42 -0400
>
>>Hey Chris,
>>I was hoping to draw your response, as I knew you were on this list.
> I feel
>>a little better about my struggles in seeing how SHORT the list
>is...can you
>>comment on your opinion as to how much of the ability to learn this
>is
>>muscle memory/ practice and how much is innate ability that one
>either has
>>or doesn't have?  You know, my son has been able to do things like a
>belly
>>wave and a wave across his toes that my muscles just cant do!
>>Thanks! (and by all means, keep avenging us downtrodden folks.)
>>Zig
>>
>>Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Tongue Vibrato and Howard Levy
>>
>>
>>
>>dzeller@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>>
>>
>>Speaking of tongue vibrato,........Mastering this has got to take
>>incredible practice and perhaps even favorable genetics like the
>>ability to roll your tongue! I'm curious to hear from the group how
>>many have developed this skill, particularly on the higher notes. I
>>find that it's particularly hard for me to control these high note
>>vibratos via pure tongue vibrato so resort to incorporating more jaw
>>movement.
>>----
>>
>>The folks that I am aware besides Howard Levy.
>>
>>Rosco Selley
>>Joe Filisko
>>Carlos del Junco
>>The Avenger of the Downtroden
>>and
>>Larry Eisenberry (maybe leaning towards NO)
>>
>>
>>
>>Chris Michalek
>>Avenger of the Downtrodden
>>
>>
>>

Chris Michalek
Avenger of the Downtrodden