[Harp-L] Re: Can you improve the U block tongue curl?

[Jim Rossen <jimjimdr@xxxxxxxxx>]

I question if the ability to U block is dependent on the ability to
tongue curl.  I say this because there is not much tongue curling to
my U block (my first embrochure, with which I am pretty facile).
But, I am able tongue curl....

Are there facile U blockers who cannot tongue curl?

Jim R


On May 3, 2:53 pm, The Iceman <icema...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> my understanding is that the tongue curl is hereditary. Most can do it...some just can not.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: chicago bluesman <chicagoblues...@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: michaelrubinharmonica <michaelrubinharmon...@xxxxxxxxx>; harp-l <har...@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Tue, May 3, 2011 9:56 am
> Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Can you improve the U block tongue curl?
>
> I'm a tongue-curler and, like you, I discovered that some students are unable to
> curl their tongue in the classic "taco" shape.  Apparently, there is divided
> opinion as to whether this trait/skill is a heritable trait.   Seehttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/omim/189300, where you'll find informative tidbits
> on tongue-curling such as, " ...In Barcelona, Hernandez (1980)
>  found the ability to roll the tongue in 63.7% of males and 66.84% of
> females. In males, an association with ability to move the ears (129100) was
> found."  
>
> I use tongue curling to get that tongue-blocking slur, when you briefly chord
> before sliding into a single note.  And I also do fast runs tongue-curled.  
> Achieving a single note by pursing lips works for other effects and I usually
> encourage students to develop both techniques in achieving single notes.  But
> you'll often find people who can't tongue curl and, frankly, I don't know what
> to tell them.  I generally suggest they use the time-honored, classic tongue
> blocking technique and I try to help them not be discouraged.  I don't know of
> any tongue exercises to cultivate curling talents among the uninitiated.  
>
> > Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 12:31:20 -0500
> > From: michaelrubinharmon...@xxxxxxxxx
> > To: har...@xxxxxxxxxx
> > Subject: [Harp-L] Can you improve the U block tongue curl?
>
> > I have always believed the U block tongue curl to be genetic.  One of
> > my students cannot do the curl, although is able to do a bastardized
> > version of the technique.  She wants to know if the curl can be
> > improved.  HAs anybody improved their curl?
> > Thanks,
> > Michael Rubin
> > Michaelrubinharmonica.com- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -