Re: [Harp-L] Learning to Sing

[Larry Marks <larry.marks@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill,

I think this ought to be on topic because, as you have said yourself, it 
is much easier to work if you are not "just a harp player." Now, I think 
that is just prejudice, but it's the way things are.

The last time I sang with a band, my one vocal was used as a joke. I was 
a terrible singer. I dreaded having to sing.

So, I went to a voice trainer (who is also an excellent harp player.) 
Now, I work in a band with a really good singer, but I sing about 1/3 of 
the songs. I really look forward to cutting loose and belting one out.

So what changed? Not my voice. I still have no more than I had before I 
trained. What I gained is confidence, appearance, some tricks and a much 
more relaxed approach to singing. I am convinced that anyone can learn 
what I did. You may never be a Caruso, but if you can hear your harp, 
you can learn to hear yourself and you will sing.

As to percussion: I haven't found any tunes that I can't play and damn 
few in which my playing would be "inappropriate." While some may not 
believe that the harmonica is a real instrument, I won't tolerate such a 
view.

Another thing to consider about percussion. Whatever you are using is a 
real instrument, with techniques for good musicianship. If you must do 
percussion, at least learn the instrument.

Well, that's my 2 mils,

  -LM