Re: [Harp-L] Are there pro harp players who do not know theory?

[Jesse <jvboden@xxxxxxxxx>]

Great topic. I might add the ability to spell chords to that list of basics
for making good note choices.

On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 9:15 AM, michael rubin <
michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx> wrote

> As you guys probably have figured out, I am a big believer in what I
> consider to be very basic music theory as important to reaching high
> levels of playing.  Every now and then I teach a student who wants
> nothing to do with it and we reach a type of compromise with the
> lesson plans.
>
> I have worked with a student for three years who is now a fairly
> famous harp player.  He was not into theory and we spent lots of time
> with him imitating me by ear.  Yet nowadays, 10 years of him playing
> in clubs later, he'll still say he knows nothing about theory but he
> will speak in context using theory terms.
>
> Are there any pros on the list who really can honestly say they do not
> know what I am talking about when I say:
>
> Major scale
> Blues Scale
> Minor
> flat 3rds
> the circle of fifths
> 1st, 2nd and third positions
> the 12 bar blues progression
> I, IV , V chords
> half steps and whole steps
>
> If so, what type of music do you play?  How do you think about what
> you are doing?  Is there any kind of music you have a difficult time
> playing?  How do you find which harp to play for the key the band is
> in?
>
> And for those people into theory, what other theory concepts do you
> believe are so crucial that you cannot communicate with other
> musicians or make good note choices without them?
> Thanks in advance,
> Michael Rubin
> Michaelrubinharmonica.com
>