Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Bear Could you talk a little about tounging speed, consistency and articulation? Recently after pullin' out a metronome and doin' some work, I've noticed that my single tounge speed has diminished. What are some excercises to work on speed/fluidity? Also, could you talk a lil about articulation. Insofar as to mention maybe specific syllabes you like to use for certain passages, etc. Or maybe talk a little about your adjectives of clearness, attack, "bell tone", etc. |
Dear Tim,
Certain people are better at tonguing than others, that's a fact of life. Many have to work at it while others seem to never have to work very hard at it. Maurice Andre used to say that it was something that required his constant attention. I work on it every day and don't feel really ready until I've had some time to articulate clearly and with some speed.
The key is consistency. That consistency and the willingness to work at that is what makes the difference between a successful player and an unsuccessful one. Consistency of approach is the first due to be paid. I'm a tOOH-tOOH guy, myself, and try to artculate each note, no matter the register, with an emphatic tOOH. The other important consistency is the amount of time put in on articulation. You have to hear very clearly what you want your tonguing to sound like and then work daily towards getting it to sound that way. If you go at it by examining placement at the expense of sound, you are lost. Physiology without the study of sound is useless except in very limited cases where you have an experienced ear that will ultimtely guide the player.
Working with a metronome is great if you approach it with an endgame in mind. I like to go gradually and build it up to a fast clip. But I start very slowly because the sound is ultimately the most important thing. Avoid tightness at all costs. Stay free and go for a fat sound when tonguing.
ML