Re: [Harp-L] Newcomer with questions

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

I feel kind of embarassed, like my chest just puffed out.  Basically,
I disagree with Larry.  The concept that not changing embouchure is a
much stronger overall approach to this instrument in the long run has
always seemed to me dogmatic with no foundation in truth.  I believe
that changing embouchures is completely viable and can produce just as
strong a method as not changing.

I was planning on quitting after to years.  But if it is only three
years to go, then I think I'll stick with it.
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Sat, Jan 29, 2011 at 1:31 PM, michael rubin
<michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 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?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----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.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----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 !!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>