Re: [Harp-L] teaching question

["Dave Murray" <dlmurray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: <IcemanLE@xxxxxxx>
> > My question is this: should I try to teach him Toung blocking straight
> > away, or get him to a more advanced level (bending etc. ) before moving 
> > to TBs?
>
> Teach him bending, trills, blow bending first. Take your time. Resist the
> impulse to have the student learn too much too soon. Give him one bite of 
> the
> meal at a session and make sure he/she chews completely and swallows 
> before
> offering another mouthful.
>
> Then start a parallel TB program.


I'm just a beginner, but I think Iceman is right on. It took me a long, 
frustrating time to learn to bend notes. I wanted to play so I frequently 
avoided it and played what I could without it. In retrospect, that was a big 
mistake, I was always running into notes that I couldn't play when trying to 
play what was in my head, or by ear.

If you don't think bending notes is essential, follow the position links 
from http://trinity.psnw.com/~dlmurray/PosSum.html It is very limiting, and 
frustrating, to not be able to bend notes. If he pays his dues up front, 
he'll thank you latter.

Peace and music,
Dave