One thing I love about teaching at Hip Harp Academy is getting to see the “Final Beginning Projects” that each student does. This is a culmination of Margie Bekoff’s experience in the Blues Harp-Style class – and this is just the beginning!

This post is from a series that shares the Final-Begining Projects from one of my first Blues Harpstyle online courses. Students created short videos based on what they learned in the course, and answered 5 questions about what they got from the challenge of this project.

MARGIE SAYS …

1. Give a short description of what it took for you to get to the place of being able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

As soon as I heard the bent notes, I felt I had a place for them. My cat was sitting on my lap, and the idea was born for The Lap Cat Blues: Sharp Nails. Logistically, I had a short time to put it together, but I knew that it could be imperfect, so that helped me let go of concerns about whether it would be good enough. I had hoped to incorporate more material from the class, and that’s where knowing this is a “beginning” is really helpful. Emotionally, I had to accept that this is not all I want it to be, and the support of DHC and the other students has helped me do that. Thank you All! I plan to continue working on it.

My cat was sitting on my lap, and the idea was born for The Lap Cat Blues: Sharp Nails. Share on X

2. What freedoms and blocks in yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

I’m taking voice lessons now with hopes of feeling more comfortable with my voice. So, meowing was a big step! That was a block. The freedom is that I love to be silly, and I loved the opportunity to do so while making music!

3. What challenges did you meet to connect with your own freedom of expression in this project?

Looking at the camera and smiling was a challenge that I’ve been working on since the first recording for HHT (HipHarp Toolkit). I felt I needed to in this recording because I was telling a story to the folks watching. I plan to continue the story and I am happy I can smile at the camera!

4. What were your personal “Aha’s”?

DHC pointed out that it would be helpful to better indicate that I’m leaving the chorus and going back to the out head. I hadn’t heard that ambiguity before she mentioned it, but it was really obvious once she pointed it out. The “aha” was noticing these transitions. Also, more bending of notes allowed me to do a slow blues without it being a draggy Blues!

5. Is there anything else you’d like to tell people who are watching your video?

I’m grateful for the feedback I’ve received during the course. I’m excited to be connected with so many talented harp players from around the world!

I'm excited to be connected with so many talented harp players from around the world! Share on X

A NOTE TO THE READER FROM DHC

Hey, thanks for reading this example of what it’s like to go thru a course with me! Did you have A-ha’s or revelations watching the video & reading the answers she wrote? Add your comments below. Please – no critiques – just share what you learned from someone courageously sharing a project that’s the BEGINNING of a lifelong learning journey.

Check out the beginning of a lifelong #harp learning journey Share on X

Want to do some courageous learning yourself? Click here to check out my next online course especially for harp players.