k0elw

Cat Anderson's "method" has a session of 20 minute long tones played at ppp; breath as needed as part of each lesson. The idea I believe is that this develops control of a small aperature; the very same aperature required for the upper register. When played softly; there is no danger of hurting yourself. And as a PH states; this can approach an almost mantra like experience; where you begin to feel that the horn is playing itself, and explore the sensory feedback of what is the minimal effort required to produce a good sound.

What I have noticed from doing this is that I can play softer and with more control than I used to. When I play loud, the amount of effort is a fraction of what I previously used.

Long tones if done mindlessly serve no purpose, but with a specific goal are beneficial. I don't understand the previous claim that long tones make attacks more secure; how could they? You are spend all your time sustaining a note, not starting it.

-Ellis