John Nesselrode
Shawnee
Posts:203
|
I'm kind in a rut, and having a hard time pulling myself out of it. I think part of it is I've got too many harmonica things pulling at me, so I'm just not focusing and progressing.
I've got the membership here, Harmonica for Dummies, Irish Fiddle Tunes for Harmonica, CDs of music I'd like to learn. I don't have a teacher nagging me to stay on course, so I tend to jump from thing to thing to thing, and not really get anywhere. I'm ADHD positive.
Has anybody else struggled with this type of issue? Any suggestions on how to set a goal or structure things so that I keep moving forward?
|
| Posted: 14 Oct 2009 16:45 Back to top |
Steve Johnson
McKinney
Posts:23
|
Hi John,
For me it's been important to realize that getting good at this instrument is going to take a long time... I've heard others say it over and over but I think you have to hit the wall yourself to really appreciate the fact that this is a 'journey not a destination.'
When I'm feeling frustrated I put it down and do something totally different. During which time I almost always listen to some music... which invariably drives me back to practice!
I accept the fact that it's going to take a long time... I don't accept that I will fail!
Somebody else once said, "Frustration is the feeling you get just before you break through to a new level."
|
| Posted: 14 Oct 2009 19:11 Back to top |
David Ashlock
Posts:689
|
I hear you John im taking this course.Harmonica lessons.com.and Adam Gussows lessons,I feel im in a rut also.I ve played guitar for over 15 years and never got to where i thought i should be.I kinda started the harmonica and had some quick results i played in my 1st band after 2 months of harp playing after 15 years on guitar i never have played in a band.but then all a sudden it seems like playing the harp got hard i made a recording of me playing to some jamtracks the other day and it dosent seem as good as the recordings i was doing a few months back.and i dont know why.I know ive learned more but right now it aint showing all i can say is im just going to keep at it i like playing the harp to much to let a little discouragement make me quit but its frustracting sometimes your not alone.
|
| Posted: 14 Oct 2009 22:09 Back to top |
Tony Eyers
Lilyfield
Posts:775
|
All of us have this problem. The main thing is to keep plugging away. A few pointers
- Don't be hard on yourself. Harmonica playing is a lifetime journey. You don't have to suddenly be good, just steadily get better. The definition of steady improvement is yours to make.
- Some sort goal is a good way to keep focused. It can be anything, getting in a on local jam, getting up to lesson 20, learning 5 tunes by Xmas, putting a recording up on harmonicajam.com
- focus on one area to improve. Again, anything: two hole bend, a first position tune, tone. A smaller target makes improvement easier to track.
|
John Nesselrode
Shawnee
Posts:203
|
Thanks for the advice folks.
I wrote the original post when I was feeling particularly bad about things. I decided to focus my efforts on the coursework here, and the tunes here I like the most. I made myself a list of the ten or so tunes I wanted to master, and am focusing on those. I put away my other books so I don't stray.
Also, I flunked myself out of Junior year and went back to Sophomore year. I think I skimmed over stuff a little too quickly there. I am making a conscious effort to learn the lessons, not hurry on to the next.
I'm trying to devote 30 to 60 minutes every night to this. About half of the time on HA course work, half on tunes. I'm working on bends and a few Christmas Carols in the car to and from work.
I helps cement it just writing it down here!
John
|
| Posted: 20 Oct 2009 15:56 Back to top |
