| Wilmer, I apologise now for introducing a trombone player's thoughts into your forum, but in this case it is very relevant (I hope you agree).
Yesterday I was chatting to Denis Wick (yes, him of the mouthpieces and mutes) and we were talking about various teaching and practice techniques. He was talking about how he gets his trombone students playing with a full sound.
Low notes, fairly loud, not forced, with a practice mute in.
His logic behind this is that the slight increase in air pressure needed allows the throat to open slightly, allowing more air through the instrument.
Knowing his pedigree as both a player (35 years as principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra) and as a teacher (his students are spread all over the world, filling principal positions in many orchestras), there might be something in this.
He does add, however, that practice mutes should not be used for all practising. He uses them for this specific purpose. The only other time they come out is when needed - late night hotel practising etc.
We now return you to trumpet thoughts. |