Melodica Information

How to hold the Melodica

It is best to hold the melodica with your left hand (if you are right handed). Place 4 fingers between the strap under side of the melodica. Use your thumb as a support for the melodica. Press your lips around the mouthpiece, ensuring that all sides are closed. A tight seal give better sound and power. Stay relaxed and experiment with what feels and sounds good to you. You can use the flex tube which will allow you to see the melodica as you are playing it.

How to Play the Melodica

There are two main concepts to think about when playing the melodica. They are had technique and breath control. Very similar to the concepts of playing harmonica. It is easier to play the melodica while standing because of breath control. Here are some tips for playing using the breath control technique:

For smooth sounds just breathe into the mouthpiece.
For heavier sounds use the plate attach...using the air like you do for whistling...more or less as required for the sound you want.
For a staccato sound use your tongue for short precise bursts.
For a tremolo sound quickly vary your breath and change the volume

It is important to note that a very fast intense burst of air can knock your reed out of alignment...so there is no SHOUTING into your melodica.

How to Care for your Melodica

When you are not using your melodica keep it in its case. That protects it from dust, the dog and small children. From time to time it is good to remove excess moisture from the melodica. (like after playing it). So when you are done playing, press the moisture release button on the bottom of the melodica and blow into it without pressing any of the keys. Now since this will release excess moisture you should be careful where you do it.