Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica Festival for Beginner?

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Eric - 


(Thanks!)

I can't speak specifically about the Virginia event, but most harmonica festivals I've been to are inspiring even if you never play a note!

Just hearing all that great playing is exciting, and it's a marvel to hear how versatile the instrument can be.

Harmonica players tend to be very open and sharing, and you can learn a lot at a festival without taking a formal "lesson" - you'll get lots of peer schooling, and learn just by observing, as well.

When vendors and manufacturers and small custom crafters show up, you also have the opportunity to get face time with them and to understand and evaluate their products.

The camaraderie and bonding that happen can also help cement your ongoing relationship with and commitment to the harmonica.

Winslow

 
Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
Harmonica instructor, The Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance
Resident expert, bluesharmonica.com
Columnist, harmonicasessions.com


________________________________
 From: Eric Chason <eric.d.chason@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 11:36 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Harmonica Festival for Beginner?
 
I just learned that Virginia
Harmonicafest<http://www.spah.org/images/eventlist/events/virginia%20harmonicafes%20t12%20flyer-2.pdf>is
being held close by to me. Do events like this offer much for
beginners?

Here's basically where I'm at. I've been playing for about six months and
have been working my way through Harmonica for Dummies (great book, if
you're reading Winslow!). I can do a good bit of what's in the book. I
can't overblow and am pretty shaky when tongue blocking. I started with a
teacher last week.

I'm sure it would be worthwhile just to go and observe, etc. I can't really
see myself playing in front of anybody right now. I'll probably go either
way, but I'm just curious what goes on at events like this. Thanks.