Re: [Harp-L] Better draw blocking nose - the balloon method



Try blowing up a balloon. You can't do this with your nose open.

Now try doing the same thing with your mouth pressed firly to the back of your hand. You try to exhale, but your nose is closed and the air pressure makes your lips balloon out.

Now try inhaling with your mouth on the back of your hand. If you do this immediately after the exhaling attempt, you nose should stay closed, your lips should start being pulled into your mouth, along with the surface of your hand.

This is how you should be playing the harmonica pretty much all the time. Your nose should be closed off, and your breathing should be gentle and deep.

Winslow

Winslow Yerxa

Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5

--- On Thu, 11/5/09, Beth Kohnen <bbbkohnen@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Beth Kohnen <bbbkohnen@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Better draw blocking nose
To: "Jim" <jimlong5@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2009, 7:59 AM

Hi Jim -
Great observation!   When I first started playing I noticed the same thing
and spent the first year wearing swimmer's nose pinchers while I practiced
till I got used to only using my nose when it is time to breathe.  It looks
hilarious but really helps.  Just forget your dignity and play!!

Beth



On Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 6:36 AM, Jim <jimlong5@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I am new on the harp and have made an interesting observation.
>
> I just got a new chromatic in G and the 4 draw (F#) sounded weak.  For the
> fun of it I pinched my nose shut with one hand and drew the note and it
> sounded great!  So what I had been doing was drawing thru my nose as well as
> thru the harp, weakening the air flow?
>
> So, how do I not draw thru my nose and channel all the air thru the harp on
> draw?  I can't play my harps with my nose pinched closed.
>
> Any insight appreciated.
>
> Jim
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