[Harp-L] Re:explain positions to beginner

["Andrew Tin" <ajtin@xxxxxxx>]

Robert,

Every player chooses how they will play.

If your student chooses to limit his future growth, then he will never know 
what is and isn't possible but it is his choice.

The harmonica is an instrument that melds with the person playing, the sound 
that comes from it is the manifestation of the physical and emotional 
properties of the player.

Every player has a different vocal chamber, size, shape and voice. They 
change and influence each note by making it their own. Their hands, their 
lips, their tongue, their lung capacity, all change the music. Different 
positions allow that all to take place.

If it didn't matter about the positions, you could make a harmonica with all 
of the essential notes, but it wouldn't meet the challenge that we as 
musicians put to it

Andrew Tin



Message: 9
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:11:34 -0700
From: Robert Hale <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] explain positions to beginner
To: harp-L list <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
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What concept am I missing?

My student doesn't see ANY reason for regarding harps in different
positions. (He has most of the diatonic keys)
"It's a C harp, why wouldn't it always play songs in the key of C?"

Sure, I can show the theory and scales and such...but it does not connect.
He has studied with me for several years, is making progress, and likes the
melody skills he has learned. Has even gone on stage with me at an open mic.

Example:
It came up today. The unison hook in Roy Orbison's Candy Man would not be
properly played in 1P, but needs the draw 5 for the flatted 7th tone in 2P.
Yes we paralleled the line with a C harp in G, and a G harp in G. Nothing.

In ONE SENTENCE can I give him a starting point, a reason to "see" this
relationship?
(Or should I just leave him alone, happy as he is?) <grin>

Robert Hale
Spiral Advocate (Fanatic!)
Learn Harmonica by Webcam
http://www.youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL
http://www.dukeofwail.com


End of Harp-L Digest, Vol 130, Issue 37
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