| is there a right way?
Hey Manny,
I've written lots of posts about tonguing since I saw this site...why? Because it is the weakest part of my playing and ONE of the only things preventing me from reaching new levels in my ability to excell at the trumpet.
I had a lesson yesterday with Doc Norris and he hasn't been able to pin point why my tongue speed is slow. He simply says, "All you have to say is 'too' and keep your air full and big and let it happen." That's a summary of what he always says. Sounds easy enough right? Well, for me it's not that easy. When I tongue slowly the sound I want is there and the "attack" I want is there...the moment I speed up the tongue everything goes downhill. We found out yesterday (because I thought about it) that the tip of my tongue hits my bottom lip when I tongue. He told me that I must anchor tongue and that I will need to train my tongue to tongue up top in my mouth where the gum hits the teeth. This feels very foreign to me and puts me in a state of frustration and discouragement right now.
Sorry for such a long post but I'm wondering if Doc's advice is valid in changing where I place my tongue when I articulate or does it really matter? Is there a right way? I'm willing to be patient I'm just confused at what to do...thanks for your time and help Manny...It's priceless!
Jeremy
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"99% is the same as 0%. If you don't feel like giving 100% or can't give 100%, then you might as well stay home." -Will Smith/added to by Jeremy Tarter |