With patience and blowing techniques, you can make beautiful music from leaves like these.
The leaf is one of the earliest-known musical instruments, played in many cultures on many continents. The leaves of eucalyptus, walnut and lemon trees are among the favorites of skilled players; however, most of them simply find a leaf that suits them and play it beautifully. While finding leaves may be easy, learning to play this free instrument takes much time and patience. If you have a genuine interest -- and with constant practice -- you can make music out of a simple leaf.
Instructions
1. Find a leaf that is large enough to be held in both hands and pressed to your lips. An ideal leaf will have a smooth, waxy surface. It should be firm while remaining flexible enough to bend.
2. Stretch the top edge of the leaf tightly across your mouth. Purse your lips in a natural position for blowing air. Rest the leaf on your bottom lip, bending it slightly to match the contour of your lip. This should mean the bulk of the leaf is hanging downward upon your face while the leaf is held taut against your bottom lip.
3. Blow firmly upon the leaf. With your lips pursed, the controlled stream of air should create a high pitch noise akin to a violin. If no sound is created, then adjustments must be made. Try blowing softer and harder, as well as changing the angle of the leaf. Once a sound is achieved, maintain this note.
4. Alter the amount of air flow from your mouth to change the note you are playing on the leaf. This is how all notes on a leaf are created. It takes a great amount of practice and breath control to be able to play music accurately on a leaf. Once you can play a few notes, try playing a simple melody such as "Row, Row, Row your Boat" or "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Once basic melodies are mastered, try more challenging songs.
