Re: [Harp-L] Re: To be a pro

[Special20 <special20harp@xxxxxxxxx>]

I may have had my differences with Gary O., but his advice on playing harp
and moving to the next level is right on the money.  Gary critiqued my
playing a few years ago and advised me to work on the "inward cough."  He
was right... My vibrato was weak, but it is better now after having worked
hard on the technique.  I know I will never be a pro harp player, but I love
playing and still want to be the best I can at it.

My advice to the dude who is asking for the short cuts to fame (if he is
indeed sincere, which I thoroughly doubt) is to put up a video or mp3 clip
of your playing and let the experts here at Harp-L have a crack at
critiquing it.

-Spec20



On Feb 7, 2008 6:54 AM, <SONNYTONE@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> We all want the fast track, there is none, except gathering materials like
> from Jerry Portnoy or David Barrett to get you past the point of where you
> are
> at, which is probably playing the same runs, no clue on where your air
> comes
> from, but at some point you need to be pushed farther ahead, and it takes
> TIME  and PRACTICE. I mean hours of it, not just noodling with what you
> know ,
> but  exercises that will help you build different solos. I think we all
> understand  that when you go see someone play, within the first 16 bars
> you know what
> tone  they have, and if they are going to come up with creative ideas
> other
> than the  basic stuff. To get ready to just perform as a guest artist I
> will
> spend from  April to June, Dave's seminar, with 3 hour practice sessions
> just to
> feel  comfortable as I do not play out and get that practice of having my
> wind
> all the  time. Life can get in the way, this business, and many other
> factors, just my  take on it. Many have said after just those basic You
> Tube clips
> they now  understand the difference between playing along with the record,
> and
> thinking  you are sounding the same, and purity of notes and tone. I
> thought I
> played  mediocre at best, but I am my worst critic which keeps me pushing
> myself  hopefully farther.
>
>
>
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