Re: [Harp-L] Re: Standard embouchures



Plus, the fact is that all of our anatomical details aren't precisely the same as one another's.

Then, depending upon the individual, we all have unique learning styles.

I had an "old-school" cello teacher, Dutch as I recall,,"Mrs. Tass". I learned well, only because of my own talents and effort. However, her teaching style impeded my progress, hampered my desire, and eventually, I lost any interest in continuing with cello lessons, after 4 years.

During that time, my parents (who sang opera professionally) tried getting me to be more interested by: 1) putting me in a youth orchestra; 2)putting me in a chamber group

It just didn't stick, as far as my motivation was concerned. Neither my parents nor the teacher really knew how to reach me, what I wanted to learn most (I really did enjoy cello, and when the teacher brought hers, and we did duets, it was a good night).

After my parents finally conceded to my requests to quit lessons, I got caught up in the music of the day, Canned Heat, John Mayall, Cream, Hendrix, Credence Clearwater, etc. Played guitar mostly, and harmonica.

I regained interest in cello, only when, due to passage of time and a change of venue (moved to college), I began to try things on it, and found my own liking for the warm tones of the cello hadn't disappeared entirely.

But at that time, I went on an "odyssey", and the cello became victim to the circumstances of that trip, sadly.

I can assuredly say that, if the teacher had been less rigid, more adaptable to finding out about my likes, and focusing more on what I wanted to learn and play (Bach mostly, and Debussy), and IF I'd have been more forthright, less shy with my opinions, I'd probably be a concert cellist today, instead of spending 25 years in civil service as an electrician.

Or, I could have branched off into jazz on my little 4-string bass.

I mean, I could only take so many little statuettes of Beethoven or other composers as rewards. I'd rather have had a pair of swim fins, or a new skateboard,,lol.

I think it's a good thing when a teacher is flexible, and has more than just "one way" to learn.

RL


----- Original Message ----- From: "Warren Bee" <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "Randy Redington" <rwredington@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: "harp-l" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, September 01, 2014 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Re: Standard embouchures



thanks Randy. we all are built different and learn different. the spice of
life and all that stuff.


On Mon, Sep 1, 2014 at 4:25 PM, Randy Redington <rwredington@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

This makes perfect sense to me Warren.
I have discovered that when someone tries to over dissect something to me,
it actually impedes my learning. But when I can take the time to freely
explore on my own, I find out how it works by the feel.
Otherwise I become too distracted by mechanical explanations and I get
lost trying to duplicate the mechanical action.


The problem with too detailed of a mechanical explanation (for me) is
that, when I try to translate them into action, I tend to over exaggerate
the behavior.
During my practice time, I generally take some of the time to explore what
happens to the sound when I play around with my mouth and lip shapes and
air dynamics.
Its amazing the variations of sounds I can produce. I can even make the
harmonica growl during a bent draw.... but to explain to someone else how I
do it... I'm not sure I could do that.
I just learn by playing around until it happened. (what ever IT is...) I
know that some direction needs to happen to teach, but to try to be too
precise on the mechanics, usually doesn't help me.
I need general directions on how to get there, and at that point, I might
just need to feel around a little bit untill I hit that sweet spot.
Ive had instructors who were too quick to try and correct me. - and that
chokes me up.
That's just the way I learn.... I think we all probably learn in different
ways.... that's why there are so many different approaches.



On Mon, Sep 1, 2014 at 2:06 PM, Warren Bee <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:


every subtle movement of the mouth tongue and throat is more dramatic with
an airtight heavy fleshy seal over a single hole. each breath can gently
explore the turf for desired results. over thinking impedes progress.
being
told exactly how to do something that is very individual is a formula for
frustration and tension. lead the horses to the water and encourage
figuring out how to drink with broad mental concepts. it is when firing on
6 or 7 cylinders that I like to step in and fine tune with my methodology.


wb




-- Randy Redington Surrendered...



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