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From: Hunterha~ol.com
Date: Fri, 5 Apr 1996 19:50:15 -0500
Subject: Re: teaching material

">>Question for harmonica teachers and pros. How much practice time do you
>>spend on technique vs material?

>>I spend a lot of time writing songs which, when played, will sort out a
problem area for a student. Many of these tunes will end up in a collection
of 'own' songs, either published or here at home.I will use it on other
students, if it worked the first time.
I will have several tunes written which will address the same
problem area, as what works with one student may not automatically work
with an other. I also like to give a student a choice so that they can
select a work which excites them - David"

I agree completely. Technical problems can almost always be practiced in the
context of a real piece of music, which is much more interesting for both the
player and the player's (eventual) audience.

Occasionally I will encounter a problem in a piece which requires the
construction of an exercise based on the problem passage. Such exercises
tend to be short, repetitious, and aimed at a specific point of technique. A
few minutes with such an exercise in the course of a practice session is
usually plenty.

I often begin a practice session by playing long tones for a minute or two.
I enjoy listening to the sound of the instrument on long tones, and it helps
me remember how important breathing is to my sound. After that, it's on to
old and new repertoire.