[Harp-L] Need encouragement!

["Todd Dahl" <lucidmonk@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dark,

Congrats on starting to play the harp. My advice to you is this... always
remember what it was like when you first started playing the trumpet. I'm
sure you didn't instantly master that instrument the first time you picked
it up. The harmonica will be the same thing but as time passes you will find
the things that you found once difficult to be easy. You have achieved the
most important first step.. you bought a harp. It is important that you get
a good quality harp not one of those cheap Chinese ones. The better the
instrument the easier it will be to learn on. It won't play itself of course
but having a good instrument helps.

When I first started I also found the U-block to be an easy technique to
use. My tongue just did it but I now use a mix of lip purse and tongue
blocking. I would suggest working on lip pursing and work on getting clean
solid notes. Stay relaxed!!! Later you will start working on bending. That
may take a while. I remember finding it totally frustrating but one day I
realized that I was starting to do it. The moment of the most frustration
the break through was achieved. I think you will also find this to happen.
I'm sure it happens to all of us.

Also always keep a harp with you. No matter where you go. You never know
when you may get a chance to practice. Especially at first because your
muscles won't be trained yet to do what you want them to do. Small workouts
will start teaching your muscles to shape the way they need to be. I've
always found being in the car during my commutes a good time to work
on stuff.

Get involved. Find a local harp club. Find a teacher. He/She will lead you
into good habits.

As for playing with that group. You definitely will. It won't happen
tomorrow or next week but with time I believe you will definitely achieve it
if you want it bad enough. Remember what you put into the instrument you
will get out of the instrument.

-Todd

www.mnharp.org
www.mnharmonica.org