The Melodica, also known as the Wind Piano can be described as a free reed system with a mouthpiece, air chamber, and keyboard. The Melodica sounds very much like a keyboard harmonica (although it is a tad more difficult to bend notes on it as you are further from the reeds) and it produces sound only exhaling into not inhaling. When playing more than one note at a time (polyphonic) the Melodica can sound very reminiscent of an accordion.
instrument. For heavier passages use the palate attack, using air as in whistling either more or less, as required. The tongue can be used for short and precise note values (staccato). In this way suitable articulation for all kinds of playing will develop. Quickly vary your breath to create tremolo (change in volume). This is the melodicas version of vibrato (change in pitch). Caution: A fast intense burst of air can knock your reed out of alignment. Think of it as blowing into a balloon.
appropriate fingering. This is necessary regardless if you plan to read music or not. It is a great system for exposing yourself to different keys and developing a hand system for passing the thumb under the fingers allowing you to play longer phrases (sentences). Care of the melodica: When not in use keep the instrument in its box to protect it from dust, dirt and children. Make sure the box is vented to minimize condensation.
