Playing by Ear, Initial Steps My initial plan of study is as follows: Use the Ross Walters Curriculum (Improvising Chromatic Harmonica for the Modern Musician) to accomplish the following:
Memorize the layout of blow and draw notes on a Chromatic without slide
Understand Alternate methods of playing C and F using the slide for the C Major scale.
Master playing the C Major scale using all 3 octaves, ascending and descending
Master playing some simple melodies by ear in the C Major scale using the C and F alternate methods. Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, Michael Row the Boat Ashore, Mary had a Little Lamb
Master scales and the 3 songs (by ear) in the keys of C, F, G, and D
Initial Steps at Playing From Music Notation
Since I desire the ability to play from music notation, I decided to work on that in tandem with what Ross Walter curriculum covers. My initial plan is:
Know the musical pitch note for each blow and draw option on the chromatic. For example 4 draw is a B.
As I master the scales and the 3 simple melodies mentioned above, know the pitch I am playing as I play it. So as I play the C major scale, be able to think the note I am playing in real time. ie CDEFGABC
Memorize note assignment on the treble musical staff
While looking at music notation in the C Major scale, be able to think the verbal pitch name of each note.
While looking at C major scale music notation, be able to play that note on the Chromatic. Primary sources for the notation will be the book: Method For Chromatic Harmonica by Max De Aloe. and Rubank Elementary Method.
I use the word "initial" because the plan will evolve continually as I reach further into my exploration of the instrument. As I find new resources and make progress I am sure I'll overcome some of my naivety about what is and is not important.
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