RE: [Harp-L] 2 draw woes

["MLeFree" <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Grant Dermody writes:
> How did Iceman suggest this be done?
>   Hi, my name is Grant and I'm a harmonica player from
> Seattle....I lurk most of the time but emerge when I think I can
> contribute. I met many of you in Kansas City and hope to meet the
> rest at the next SPAH.
>
>   I run into this problem with my students from time to time.
> Most often the problem lies with the student's mouth shape or
> position. If their mouth is in a shape where, if  they were
> speaking, they would be creating an eh or an ih sound, that can
> help create a choke on a 2 or 3 draw.
>
>   I'd suggest having the student raise their soft palate to
> create a wide open ah sound and then gently draw on the 2 to see
> what happens. If choking still occurs, then have them get a
> clean, soft 1 draw and then slide up to the 2 draw in the same
> breath. Another trick is to get a 123 draw chord and then narrow
> the lips dpwn so you just get the 2 draw. This, of course assumes
> your student is using the puckering method to get single notes.
>
>   I hope this is helpful. Please contact me off list if I can be
> of further assistance.
>   all the best and happy T-day to you all.
>   Grant Dermody
>
> Bob Cohen <bcohen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>   One of my students can't seem to produce a clean G note from the 2
> draw hole on his C harp. No matter how he holds the harp, how far
> into his mouth he holds it, what he does with his tongue, the damn
> thing chokes and goes flat. I can play his harp all day long.
> Regapping didn't work. I'm flat out of ideas (pun intended). Any
> help would be appreciated.
>
> Bob Cohen

Great to see Grant posting, especially when he shares suggestions on
improving one's playing. When Grant speaks, I listen!

I know that Grant won't mention this so I'll risk sounding like a commercial
by pointing out to those of you who don't already know that he's not just
any old "harmonica player from Seattle...." He's as versatile, skilled, and
talented a player as you're likely to come across. The complete package. A
great teacher and consummate gentleman as well. I know there's a bunch of
folks who've benefitted from Grant's teaching or enjoyed his playing who
will agree on all counts.

Speaking of enjoying his playing, I'd seriously suggest that the few of you
who may not have already purchased one of his CD's do so forthwith. See his
new web site at "grantdermody dot com" for details. I personally recommend
"Crossing That River," simply because it features Grant's harp up front on
every song (well, he does get a bit of help on harp from Wiggins and
Filisko...). His more recent CD, "Deceiving Blues," is equally as pleasing
to the hear, but Grant shares the instumental duties with his blues playing
buddies (...I admit it--I'm a harp "hog"). Come to think of it, get 'em
both!

I should issue the required disclaimer verifying that I have no relationship
with Grant except as a devoted fan and very pleased student.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming...

Michelle

PS: Happy T-Day to you too, Grant, and to all of ya'll Harp-ler's!