Re: [Harp-L] glaucoma concerns

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

 There seems to be a little bit of confusion - breathing the harmonica, finesse, etc, does not mean playing softly by any means, although you do get a wider palette of colors if your base line starts at the soft end of the spectrum.

Changing the orientation away from BLOWING towards BREATHING teaches one the most efficient use of energy to create sound. Once one uses 100% effectively (or as close to it as you get at whatever place you are on your "enlightenment X-axis"), one finds out that a very forceful/loud/energetic/whatever result is achieved with a lot less effort on your part - at this level, you are not wasting any of your energy as it is ALL going into the sound. Here is where Effortless comes into the Effortless Mastery concept of playing an instrument, as it truly feels enlightening when one can achieve those feelings of releasing certain energies in a forceful manner without breaking a sweat. As a matter of fact, you may find more clarity within each moment as you are not leaking energy all over the place, but begin to razor sharp focus your intent without too much clutter happening in your mind or emotions.

Many players have learned to play using too much energy from the start - perhaps nervous energy, hyper energy based on their personality, or insecure energy as one struggle with ones' own internal affairs while on stage in the public's eye. Unfortunately, inefficient use of energy becomes a habit unless corrected either early on, or through an honest attempt to embrace the concept that, perhaps there is a better way, no matter how much time one has "invested" to play the way they do. (Sometimes the very "Time Investment" becomes a barrier to change, as the concept is "I've spent sooo much time doing it THIS way, that it would feel like I've wasted sooo much time if I decide to try a different approach"). 

For example, a lot of bad personal relationships are perpetuated when those involved feel they've "invested so much time" into them that it is hard to see any other option.

I remember Carlos Santana playing at Hill Auditorium in AA, MI, back in my college days and being amazed at how his presence on stage was so relaxed that the guitar seemed to shrink into nothing as he effortlessly "willed" his sound to fill the room, and, believe me, we could all feel his body's and spirit's energy, and it was high energy.

Having an open mind will do wonders for those really interested in evolving further. Of course, I don't wish to start arguing with those that have their closed beliefs and are happy with them. I'm merely illuminating another path for those that are truly interested.

The Iceman


 


 

-----Original Message-----
From: michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:42 am
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] glaucoma concerns










It's not force, it's feeling.  Look Larry, I agree with you that
playing softly and or with finesse is appropriate for most harp
playing, but sometimes I want to feel all my body's and spirit's
energy playing in a forceful manner.  It is the only way to release
certain energies.  Plus, I think it sounds good.  The players who
always use finesse tend to leave me cold as a listener.
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On 12/18/08, IcemanLE@xxxxxxx <IcemanLE@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> If one were to adjust the approach to diatonic away from BLOW/SUCK or
> BLOW/DRAW and towards INHALE/EXHALE, these health concerns would diminish.
>
> I describe it to my students as moving away from "whistling energy" and
> embracing "humming energy".
>
> It's not FORCE, but FINESSE.
>
> The Iceman
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