Detached Articulation

: The tongue can effectively strike your tooth, but it must remain relaxed. If I'm honest, about two-thirds of my tooth is covered by my tongue when I play, but I'm not pushing.

Myth 2: Saying "Ta" for Articulation

• We're often taught to say "ta, ta, ta" or "da, da, ta". However, this causes the jaw to move.
• If we try to say "ta" without moving our chin, it doesn't work.
• Move away from vowel sounds and focus on relaxed contact. The sound should be a blend of P, N, D, and ta.

Importance of the End of the Note

• The clarity of the beginning of the next note depends on the embouchure's position at the end of the previous note.
• Often, the embouchure is affected by airflow , it can push the lips open when played, causing a lack of clarity.
• Critical Point: The aperture (the hole) must be maintained. If the embouchure tries to revert to its position as we articulate, we lose clarity.

Practicing Articulation Without the Trombone

• The combination of tongue and air can be practiced without the trombone:
  • Think of blowing out a birthday candle , the goal is to get the air out effectively.
  • Isolate the use of air and tongue in practice to enhance articulation without relying solely on the instrument.

Preparation is Key

• The clarity of articulation depends on ensuring the air is flowing correctly to create the note.
• Always have the embouchure fixed in position before playing. Speaking through the embouchure can help achieve ultimate clarity, ensuring the aperture is open and ready.

Summary of Articulation System

• The embouchure must be:
  • Open and fixed at the beginning, middle, and end of the note.
• The tongue:
  • Touches wherever needed, remains relaxed, and should not use the tip.
• Focus on direction of airflow when using the tongue.

Practical Exercise: Fast Articulation

When I joined the London Symphony Orchestra at 23, my biggest weakness was fast articulation. I spent several months working on this, starting with a series of exercises.

• Tip:
  • Begin by ensuring the embouchure is fixed while developing your articulation system.
  • Try the exercise for triple tonguing found in traditional etude books.
  • Understand that clarity and legato can be challenging; playing with clarity and length is harder but essential.

The Slow Exercise

• Use a metronome to practice:
  • Ensure the clarity of sound comes from consistent airflow through the instrument.
  • The key to this practice is keeping the tongue relaxed.

Mastering Speed

• To achieve speed in articulation:
  • Focus on the clarity at the beginning of the note while maintaining relaxed articulation.
  • The airflow must be steady.
• As your skills progress, push through the discomfort , that's where growth happens.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the basics of detached articulation include:

• The embouchure must remain in position.
• The aperture must be set and stable.
• The tongue touches lightly and relaxed, without using the tip.

By mastering these elements, you will enhance your playing and develop clear, articulate sound on your instrument. Happy practicing!