Play the Melodica
The melodica is a free-reed aerophone which, at its simplest, is mouth blown array of reeds arranged so it's played with a piano-like keyboard. It is a fairly easy instrument to learn and is more affordable than many other instruments.
Steps
- Obtain a melodica. Music stores carry them. School music programs frequently use them. They can be purchased online from music sites like Woodwind & Brasswind, retailers like Amazon or auctions like ebay. You'll want to find a good quality one that fits in your budget. Hohner is one of the better makers of melodicas (they were the inventors).
- Learn which notes are which. Once you have your melodica, learn how to move along the keys and how to recognize notes on the keyboard. Keep in mind that the short mouthpiece restricts the player's view of the keys, and it's not always feasible or easier to play with the tube.
- Find easy music. It's best to start off with something easy. If you can read music, try playing simple melodies from the treble part of piano or flute music. Other music can be played, but don't forget that many instruments are made in different keys; a C-tuned instrument can create a distinction between sounds.
- Move on to chords. One area where the melodica shines (at least in comparison to other woodwinds) is in it being truly polyphonic. It can play more than one note at a time, with the same chord shapes and notation as a piano. You can take advantage of this for powerful sounds.
- Continue to develop your playing ability. Experiment. You can play jazz riffs, imitate other instruments, distort the sounds through an amplifier, and a tremendous list of other unique 'tweaks'. Use your imagination, as long as you always play it like a melodica.
Tips
- Obviously, some experience playing the piano or other keyboard instrument will aid you in learning to play the melodica.
- The melodica can create sounds that suit almost any genre. Find your own combination of styles, and use the instrument to its full potential.
Warnings
- Don't put pressure on the reeds by blowing too hard. Only a small amount of air is necessary.
- Try to avoid the 'bargain' variety in most cases. Not all music companies share the same standards, and there are quite a few imitation melodicas which aren't built to last.
