gchun

Hey Chris-

I've dealt with the same practice room problem. It's tough if that's the only place you have to practice. Some things to think of:

1. Don't overblow. There might be a tendency to overblow to get the same feedback to your ears, or to attempt to get your regular resonance. Overblowing could lead to spread chops, swollen chops, hard tone, etc.

2. Keeping #1 in mind, if you are playing softer, make sure that you are still using proper air support. It's easy to drop your support while trying not to overblow.

2. Try practicing with earplugs or cottonballs in one or both ears. This can help to internalize your sound. If you can internalize your sound, it might be easier to not overblow. If you can get this to work, it could later be helpful on loud gigs. Bobby Shew recommends this.

3. Try to find a hard surface to point your bell (glass window, music stand, open piano lid w/sustain pedal down, etc.) Experiment with distances to find a resonant spot.

4. Always try to remember (muscle memory-wise) the feel of your chops while playing in a normal setting. When you feel yourself deviating from that feel, take extra caution and reevaluate how you are blowing.

5 Try to check your chops in a normal room to make sure you're not getting too far off base.

6. Try a few minutes with a cup mute. The mute's sound doesn't rely on the room acoustics. Try doing some soft long tones with the mute.

7. Talk to your prof. If the school has those rooms, you can't be the first to deal with this. Maybe he can give you suggestions, or find a another place for you to use every once in a while.

Good luck, (I feel your pain!!)

Garry