I am starting a series of write-up on Harmonicas.  This is the starting piece.​

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• I consider the Harmonica one of the most under-rated instrument (next to the Recorder).

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• It has been said that, any Wind-instrument player (as in, professional players) is necessarily healthy because of the constant use of air i.e. 肺活量 and exercise of the air circulation.

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• While the harmonica is deceptively simple, the “fluent” exchange of air involving the Blow and Suck; creating an uninterrupted musical melody, needs time to master.  Seems easy but ---

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• Some of the techniques involved e.g. Throat Vibrato, Diaphragm Vibrato and Bending, are (really) not easy. :  )  it is comparatively easier to execute a Throat Vibrato on a 笛子 than is with a Harmonica. If we progress on to BLUES (蓝调), it is even more “complex” so said.

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• The most common vibrato sound is produced with a “哇，哇， 哇” resonance.  Then, when the player bends the sound, it becomes “哇，wound, wound, wound” [this is the reflection or echo]  This distinctive feature separates the harmonica from other instruments.

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• But in a big auditorium, the vibrato sound is not usually clear (as compared to a recording studio) and only those BLUES-technique sounds are truly loud and clear.​

-      Most classical players do not use BLUES.

-      Most on stage performances also do not use BLUEs.

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• What are some of the challenging songs in my opinion?

-      Turkish March

-      Flight of the Bumble Bee

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• The instrument is a reflection of the music as it reflects on the Player himself or herself. Whether you believe it or, music, at a certain level, connects one to the universe.  It cannot be described or seen.  It is a state of mind.

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