Hi, !

Have you ever stopped to think about the difference between playing harmonica and practicing harmonica?

It sounds like a trick question, but are you playing the harmonica when you practice?

Check out the video and read on to answer this question, and open up a dynamic approach to how you learn and play.

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1: Practicing Harmonica

The Cambridge dictionary lists practice as "the act of doing something regularly or repeatedly to improve your skill at doing it".

And this is exactly what we are doing when learning new skills on the harmonica. We are honing our skills, by repetition.

However, after a while these new skills become a part of our motor memory and move from the conscious (harder working) part of our mind to the unconscious (easy thinking) mind. We put these skills in the 'bank' and move on to learning the next skill that will open up even more avenues of artistic expression.

How many skills and techniques you want to have in the 'bank' can be equated to how many colors a painter has on his pallet. There is no one answer. The more colors, the more realistic his painting can become, however he can still paint even with one color on that pallet.

And.. I say... even with only one color, paint! (*more on that down the page).

2: Playing Harmonica

The same Cambridge Dictionary has two meanings for 'Play' that could be related to the harmonica and I would argue that the specific definition "to perform music on an instrument or instruments" is actually derived from the earlier definition "When you play, especially as a child, you spend time doing an enjoyable and/or entertaining activity"

It's this second definition that I believe we must remember as both students of a new instrument and as musicians. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the entire idea here with music is to enjoy ourselves. I know as a performer the more I enjoy myself, the more the audience enjoys them selves and the music.

So, I'd like you to think of 'playing the harmonica' as exactly that; free play time. Just like a child in the playground. This is totally separate from practice time!

3: Never the two shall meet?

There should be two totally different compartments in your approach to learning and playing harmonica. Practicing Harmonica, and Playing Harmonica.

Think of it as two different hats (maybe you can use real hats too 😎). The first is your practice hat, and the second is your play hat.

If you can separate these two areas of your playing then psychologically you will play better music, and enjoy yourself more. You will also be more inspired to play and practice too.

4: Play Today - You're Ready

This play vs practice approach is for all levels of student and musician. Just like the painter I mentioned earlier with only one color of paint on his pallet, a total beginner on the harmonica can make some music and have some fun with the instrument simply by blowing in it!

 

So make sure you have some play time along with your practice time. No matter your current level of skill.

One key decision that enables this to work is to not judge yourself at all when you have your 'play' hat on. Do not judge. Leave that mind behind at play time. That part of your mind only comes out when you are practicing.

When you're practicing, that mind is very useful, and indeed essential, however in play time that mind will only get in the way and stop you from enjoying yourself. Take a glass of wine, meditate, whatever works for you, and let go!

The next thing to remember as you put on your 'play hat', is that your technique during practice time is almost always better than that same technique when you are at play.

It's very common to be able to do something for the first time (like bending) in a practice session, but then not hit it when you are playing.

Don't worry about this, and keep playing. It's a right brain, left brain thing!

As you get better, and as time progresses those techniques will come into your play time effortlessly.

5: Examples of Playing vs Practicing

The first most obvious area of practice is when you are learning new skills like single note 'puckering' and 'bending'. These skills require your 'practice hat' on a regular basis, especially at the beginning. They require critical thinking, some trial and error and a lot of repetition. Thankfully when these skills click in, it's like riding a bike, and they stay with you for life.

If you're at this early stage you might think you can not put your 'play hat' on. However, you can. Just remember your 'play skills' won't be as good as your practice (yet) and don't judge. Smile and have fun!

For example... taking this one step further...

Head to the Play-a-Long page. Select a tune in 1st position, such as A Closer Walk With Thee and first with your 'practice hat' on, play through the tune a few times, becoming familiar with the notes. Become familiar with when they are to be played, and consciously try to get a feel for the tune. Remember... These are your 'practice' runs!

Then... maybe take a little break or use whatever trick you can to put on your 'play hat' and simply play the tune without stopping, without judgment, and enjoy.

Listen to how your harmonica sounds with the other instruments, enjoy the drums, the guitars, maybe play along to my harmonica guide. Just let go... and enjoy with your 'play hat'.

You may miss all the notes... but don't worry. You can always put on your practice hat again and work on it some more again later.

After a week (or less) of this you'll be really playing harmonica and enjoying yourself. After a month of this, you'll have improved immensely... and the enjoyment will grow and grow!