re: [Harp-L] What is needed for showbiz...

[Buddha <groovygypsy@xxxxxxxxx>]

The diatonic harmonica is one of the most difficult instruments to
play. Why?  Because it's three times the work of any other instrument.
Take a piano for instance, if you learn a scale in one octave then
you're able to play it exactly the same in all other octaves. With the
diatonic, each scale in every octave is played differently. Then there
is the intonation issue I can count all of the players on Shiva's four
hands that have good intonation. And finally there is the issue of
quality, while there are more and more people who modify harps to play
better they are in general very poor instrument directly from the
production line. (I hear The Fabulous Harp and Harrison's harmonica
will change this perception.)

If you really want to make it as a harmonica player... and many of us
are trying, at least I am.  You need to have a few things.

1.) Attitude - You need to be fearless and relentless in pursuit of
your goal. They are most often natural leaders.
2.) Creativity - You need to be a true out of the box thinker. Through
the production of various festival and the opportunity I have had to
play with "name" artists they all have a few  things in common, they
few the world differently then most people. The hear the world
differently than most people, their ideas are different than most
people.
          a)they are also very emotional people - extreme sadness,
extreme anger, extreme happiness etc...
          b)they are often quite self centered
          c) impetuous
          d) have an OCD quality about them. Or Additive component to
their personality.
          e) the ability to polarize people

I truly believe that most "elite" musicians or show biz people in
general have a slight tinge of Asperger's Syndrome if it's not a full
blown case.

3) Rage - that extra gear to do things. Achieving right or wrong these
people can send themselves into overdrive mode to do certain things.
4) Open minded attitude and a willingness to explore
5) Psychic connection to the cosmos ie: can hear, feel and see things
before they happen.
6) Talent
7) Has an original voice on their instrument
8) mastery of their main instrument
9) who you know
10) luck - however, I don't believe in luck.  See number 5. I believe
these people are so connected they just follow their path and
guides/mentors come along to help them. But the Artist just "know"
when and where to be.