Subject: Re: [Harp-L] this recent thread on positions, notes, colors etc...

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Iceman writes in response to Steve's:
 
"Chris talked about not thinking and perhaps I should try that. And I would  
if 
I knew how.   It becomes frustrating to have the "feeling"  inside and not be 
able to play it. Has anyone else fought with this? If so,  please send me the 
magic key."
 

........"If you were to learn to play golf without instruction, were  given a 
set of 
clubs and told "Don't think - just go out and swing away and  eventually you 
will 
figure it out", you may eventually do just that, but it  would be a long hard 
road.
The better approach is to learn from an  instructor, break things down, think 
about them, repeat to learn muscle  memory, learn a layer at a time, and 
then, 
eventually, you may stop thinking  about the process, get out of the way and 
flow with it."
 
.....Actually, Larry -- I know Steve and my feeling is quite the  opposite.  
I think he "thinks" too much when it comes to the Blues  Jams.  He's mentioned 
his Stage Fright before......and the anticipation  (especially when the 
circle is large) builds so by the time it gets to be your  turn, the pressure then 
for someone already stressed seems to me to be quite  severe so he (and others 
so afflicted) don't play at their best.  Saturday  night at the KC SPAH he 
surprised me by how well he played (from the 2nd  row - less pressure <G>) and 
how much he projected (as fjm has  mentioned) .....compared to Buckeye, my 
first time hearing him.  I know  he's had the instruction....doesn't need to 
"build the layers".  What he  needs (in MY very subjective opinion).......is to s
top thinking about  anything at all, focus on and listen to the music and just 
play......   he HAS the chops.
 
Elizabeth