RE: [Harp-L] Exercises for your chops

[Mark Russillo <jruss433@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jay -
   
  Here's some.  Once you can do this, it's not a big deal, but it's a good starter exercise.  Try to touch your tongue to the base of a shot glass without touching the sides. Repeat this and once you get it down, try to move it slightly while it's in the glass - again, without touching the sides!  Yeah, it sounds weird, but it is a good way to discipline the tongue muscles - though you might want to do it in the privacy of your home.
   
  For diaphragm, I do ab crunches, pilates with a Swiss Ball - but there is also an  interesting thing I picked up from Chicago Blues Harp Player and Truck Driver, Buzz Krantz:
   
  You can do this anywhere - while you are sitting, stiffen your lower abdomen and try to inhale and exhale without moving it.  It seems impossible, but over time you can get good at it.  I've found that it strenghens the muscles and helps you to better control air flow when your playing.
   
  Then there is a transitional phrase I learned to play as an exercise to help you get ascend to the high end from the low end.  I usually use a C, but I think it works in most any key - 6 blow, 6 draw, 7 draw, 7 blow.  Start it slowly and just work on playing it faster and faster over time.  That one is courtesy of my buddy Roscoe.
   
  This last thing may not mean much if you aren't into singing or public speaking - but I sing and perform at poetry readings.  This is more to exercise your "stage presence" chops.  I have been plagued with pre-gig jitters all my life and I find that it helps with that.  
   
  The singing in particular also helps your harmonica phrasing and vice-versa.  There is a story among Jazz musicians that Sarah Vaughn learned to scat while working with Dizzy Gillespie.  The Diz told her to "sing the horn parts."  
   
  I hope some of that works for you.
   
  Mark Russillo
  a.k.a. The Rhode Island Kid
   
  
 
  >---- Original Message ----
>From: jay.jmt@xxxxxxxxx
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Exercises for your chops
>Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 15:52:09 -0500
>
>>
>>Does anyone have experiences to share about exercises they use to
>optimize
>>the muscles that they use when playing the harp? I'd be interested
>in
>>hearing about anything but I'm, especially, interested in exercises
>without
>>the harp that can be done at times when practicing isn't practical
>[no pun
>>intended] like at work, etc.
>>Thanks, Jay
>>_______________________________________________
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>>

Chris Michalek

www.michalekstrone.com
CD Available
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michalekstrone


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