bigbrowncow

I haven't played at all for about a year, and I've just started practicing again in the last week as it looks like work is going to ease of for a while.

Question on tone production
I'm finding it impossible to hold an absolutely even tone in terms of pitch. My long tones have little blips in the pitch going up and down - about 1-3 blips per second, but the blips are very short themselves.

I'm working on this by just carefully listening and keeping even tone and breathflow - hard to tell if its getting better.

Is it just a question of practice, or do I have mad cow disease and its giving me the shakes?


Steve

dbacon

Doing just the Leadpipe long tones can really help get you going each day. Pull out the tuning slide and buzz full sounding long tones with the air going flat out, constant air motion. Start the tones without the tongue, breath attacks only, and work for the sound to start immediatly. No hesitation. Air in and out in one motion, follow through with the air, rest at least as much as you play. Carry that full blown sensation into your trumpet, see what it sounds like after three weeks!

bigbrowncow

Well - three weeks later and everything has been slotting into place very well. I'm sure the leadpipe buzzing has helped!

Steve

dbacon

Good news!! Glad things are working out, keep us informed on how you continue to progress.