[Harp-L] Re: How Much Practice?

[Jim Sterett <sterett4@xxxxxxxxx>]

Kelly,

I would suggest finding a buddy who is playing guitar at about the same level you are on harmonica.  Feed off of each other.  Have fun.

Jim

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> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 18:55:55 -0400
> From: Robert Rowe <robertrowe2@xxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] How Much Practice?
> To: "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx Harp-L" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Message-ID: <0971737F-4883-45D3-B258-72F64CC30ACB@xxxxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> We talked about this a year or so ago, but I want to approach it from a different perspective. I'm curious about your formative years as a musician and the time you put in to reach your most proficient point. 
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> I started guitar at a very young age. It was my single focus (other than the piano my parents forced me to play) for the first 20 years of my musical journey.  When in school I would play at least 4 hours a day, and all day on the weekends. I never went on a single date when in high school. While my friends were out partying on weekend nights, I would be home locked in my bedroom playing until dawn or later. I never went anywhere without a guitar. I would only leave the house for things musical; rehearsal, gigs, shopping for gear.  I did pick up the harp in that time, but couldn't get past Bob Dylan level playing. There was no instruction material and I never caught on to playing in positions. 
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> In my late 20's I picked up my second love and approached it the same way. Within a year I was getting steady work playing Irish music on the hammered dulcimer. Then I got struck by the Irish flute bug and went from my first toot to excellent stage performance in 6 months. Again, through insane practice schedules. 
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> A couple years ago the harmonica fell into my crosshairs, but the fire seems to have died out and it shows in my progress and self assessment. I find it hard to get motivated to play for even an hour, but I do so with significant effort on my part. I've gone from nearly 50 years of being unable to put an instrument down to being a struggle to pick one up. What has happened to me?  Can any of you relate to any part of this journey?  How can I get that internal fire roaring again?  Is this dog too old and tired to learn a new trick?  Should I sell my TV?
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> Help me out here folks. Insight from beginners to the world renowned is most, most welcome!  What did you do to get where you are, and what do you do to keep the fire stoked inside you?
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> Thanks for your insight!  Remember, unlike the previous thread, this one asks what kind of practice you really did/do to get where you are today, not what you think is the "ideal" practice time and strategy. 
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> Love you!  MEAN IT!!!
> 
> Kelly
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