Re: [Harp-L] I don't want to be a harp player!

[Larry Marks <larry.marks@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike,

I certainly agree with the spirit of what you are saying. I play other 
instruments and consider myself a musician, at least by calling. I would 
not bother to play a harmonica unless I thought that it was a musical 
instrument as much as any other musical instrument is.

I am sorry for your experiences. I was fortunate in that the first band 
I joined as a harmonica player - many years ago - hired me because of 
the way I played. They wanted a unique sound, so they didn't want me to 
sound like anyone in particular. Since that first band, I have never 
consented to play on any other basis.

Finally, as to how to convince other musicians that you are a musician 
and not "the harp player": Talk like a musician and walk like a musician 
and play like a musician. Let people you propose to work with know that 
you understand music theory. Follow the same rules that apply to other 
instruments. Contribute musically to the group as others do. And don't 
play a good harmonica solo, play a good solo.

If you are not pulling your weight in a band, you'll always be spare 
baggage.

 -LM