Introducing... the WARM-UP
At some point in our early musical development, we reach the point that we wonder why our increasing abilities seem to have hit a ceiling, and we are stumped about certain issues, be it range difficulties, sound quality in particular dynamic ranges, or other inabilities. We are also stunned to find that what came so easily in the beginning has now become a bit more difficult. Aside from the idea of "beginner's luck", (or more rightly, ignorance was bliss! ) we find that in order to continue playing with improved consistency and control, we must begin to focus on our sound fundamentals: Moving Air and the Buzz! (Sounds like the name of a rock band!) Consider improving the “Nutrients” of our playing. It’s all about Airflow, TONE, and what you do with them.
Quality of Sound
The art of Tone Production takes place in what I fondly refer to as the "Sonic Carbeurator" or Embouchure region of our face. This is where the Airstream (Airspeed, Air Temperature), Tongue (just the right kind and amount- forming Articulation), and Lip Setting (degree and placement of lip-tightness and alignment) all meet and have to function as a unit to mould our sound.
Further use of these ideas will develop a singleness of purpose in your approach to playing, and your mind will become more focused toward what you are intending. This is perhaps the most important purpose in playing these exercises.
What follows are some ideas for improving our tone, beginning with Breathing Exercises and Buzzing exercises.
Breathing Exercises (some from Eastern origin…)
I take no responsibility for the use of these exercises. I include them to peak interest in further study...
- Rhythmic Diaphragmatic Breath-
- Harmonious, with metronome
- Deep inhale
- Exhale through nostrils, but with no sound
- Channel Purification-
- Close off right nostril, inhale through your left nostril. Then reverse…
- Three times each
- Forceful Expulsion of Breath- extreme use of diaphragm muscles and abdominal muscles. Passive inhalation… 7-21 cycles.
- “Bellows” Abdominal Muscles = bellows
- Vigorous Inhale and Exhale
- 21 cycles in quick succession
Warm-up Ideas, Buzzing...
- Make a Cut-Away mouthpiece... turn an old mouthpiece into a buzzing aid. Can be buzzed while moving slide in coordination.
- Buzz mouthpiece, using warm air and "fog up" the mouthpiece. Allow for maximum resonance.
- Painting: Starting on pedal Bb, softly play Bb scale 2 octaves (up to Bb on top of the staff) returning to pedal Bb, while "painting with a large brush" all the smooth, in-between notes within this 2 octave range. Repeat on B Major, then C Major, then C# Major, etc. By the time you finish (as high up as you want), you will have painted ALL the notes in your range.
- While playing long tones, pretend you have a hard-boiled egg in your mouth cavity. This will open up your airstream and keep your tongue down, thus enhancing a more round airstream.
- Make a Breathing Bag out of a 1.5" diameter plastic pvc pipe, perhaps 4" long; a small wastebasket-sized plastic bag, and a rubber band. Insert bag opening over one end of the pvc pipe, and fasten with the rubber band. Purpose: to keep the throat open while breathing into the bag, allthewhile preventing dizziness. I take no responsibility in the use of this breathing tool, but the use of this device will help to practice our deep breathing for a longer period than mere breathing fresh air. Refresh with "fresh air" after a few full breaths.
- A good Routine covers certain basic concepts:
Routine Basics: Buzzing, Long Tones, Lip Slurs, Range Extenders, Scales, Articulated Etudes, Chromatics.