Re: [Harp-L] Newcomer with questions

[The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>]

oh, another 3 years should do it....





-----Original Message-----
From: michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
To: The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>
Cc: harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sat, Jan 29, 2011 9:31 am
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Newcomer with questions


I have been running 26 years.  How much longer do I have to run before
my method is strong enough? ;)
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Sat, Jan 29, 2011 at 12:50 PM, The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Not having to change embouchure is a much stronger overall approach to this 
instrument in the long run.
>
>
> You gots your options, you makes your choices.
>
>
> I agree with Iceman that you should not HAVE to change embouchure when
> playing the high notes, but why NOT change embouchure if it provides
> the desired effect?
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>
> Cc: danchristhomas50 <danchristhomas50@xxxxxxxxx>; harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sat, Jan 29, 2011 8:23 am
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Newcomer with questions
>
>
> I agree with Iceman that you should not HAVE to change embouchure when
> playing the high notes, but why NOT change embouchure if it provides
> the desired effect?  I almost always switch to my bastardized version
> of U blocking when playing the high notes.
>
> U blocking is where if you want to play hole number eight, you put the
> center of the tongue centered underneath hole 8, on the bottom cover
> plate, then curl your tongue into a U shape blocking out hole 7 with
> the left side of your tongue and hole 9 with the right side of your
> tongue.
>
> In my version, leave out the curl.  It has created a beautiful, full,
> easy to navigate, easy to bend sound on the high notes.  I recommend
> this to all my students.  Nearly everyone is uncomfortable with it at
> first try.  Almost always, those who continue to have high note
> difficulty after one year are still puckering, those who miraculously
> can jam on the high notes after a few months are doing my bastardized
> U block.
>
> On the other hand, I am a firm believer that if you put in enough
> practice, you can do anything.  My high note puckering is definitely
> at a pro level, so it can be done.  My tongue blocked high notes still
> need work but I believe I could learn it if I put in the time.
> Michael Rubin
> Michaelrubinharmonica.com
>
> On Sat, Jan 29, 2011 at 10:30 AM, The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>> Your overall technique needs adjustment. As a newbie, now is the time to do 
it
> before bad habits are ingrained.
>>
>>
>> Breathe the harmonica - not "suck" and "blow". The energy used is closer to
> "humming" rather than "whistling" energy. The lower notes are more forgiving 
of
> improper technique. The higher notes will show your weaknesses. You shouldn't
> have to change embouchure at the high end.
>>
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>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Chris Thomas <danchristhomas50@xxxxxxxxx>
>> To: harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
>> Sent: Sat, Jan 29, 2011 6:22 am
>> Subject: [Harp-L] Newcomer with questions
>>
>>
>> Hey, I'm a new comer  focusing on "cross harp " . Im having a terrilble time
>> withthe 8 and 9 draw, its not the harp cause if I cover the adjacent holes
>> with my fingers I get a nice note out of it, also its more than 1
>> harp(special20s Hammond, ) Should my embrocure change in the upper end of
>> the harp? is the spacial relationship of the reeds diferent on the upper
>> end? I have tried soft play, I just cant seem to find it.  also when I find
>> a song that I want to learn it is usually in 1st position then I transpose
>> into 2nd position to learn it, is that what you guys are doing or is there a
>> better way? Since I cant type any better than I can play I am going to say
>> thankyou right now for any help. THANK YOU !!
>>
>>
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