Music Lesson: Technical Approaches

In this next exercise, we're moving on from the multivitamin in a similar vein. We feel it's important to develop a good technical approach, and practicing different techniques is crucial to that.

Mixing Techniques

• Jumping Between Registers
• Playing Loud and Soft
• Using Legato and Staccato

All these elements will be incorporated into the same exercise.

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Key Concepts to Remember

1. Staccato Focus:

   • When performing staccato, pay attention to the central bell part.
   • This applies to legato as well.

2. Exercise Goals:

   • Start by playing legato to familiarize yourself with the constant air stream and central tongue position.
   • Control pitch in coordination with the speed of the air.

3. Articulation:

   • Mix in short staccato.
   • Define staccato using your central tongue position instead of the tip.

Remember: Legato is king! Often in pop or big band music, the single tongue is more crucial than the air.

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Exercise Demonstration

1. Start playing entirely legato.

   • Maintain consistent air speed and a slight crescendo on descents.
   • Play at a moderate pace for better comfort.

2. Repeat the exercise.

   • This time, play the descending moving arpeggios with short staccato.
   • Notice how focusing on the center of your bell aids in your playing.

3. Keeping It Light:

   • If you need to take a breath, do not do so in tempo.
   • It might sound in tempo but it's not, so breathe then resume as if starting anew.

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Opposite Technique Application

• Play the top static C arpeggio staccato while the moving one becomes legato.

Observation:

• While doing legato on the moving arpeggio, you may need to slow down a bit on the 5:1 and descent to achieve a comfortable crescendo.

Flexibility Exercise

• Add an extra note on the top (up to an E), traveling a tenth in range.

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Final Steps

1. Practice Variations:

   • Continue with legato on the top and staccato on the bottom.
   • Finally, try staccato at the top and legato on the bottom.

2. Troubleshooting:

   • If staccatos don't come out, repeat between the C and the bottom F sharp until successful.
   • Focus on airflow, keeping it short without over-tensing.

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Self-Development

• These exercises are designed for you to troubleshoot your own technical development.
• Each version of the same exercise will present different issues to address.

Takeaway:

• Speed things up or slow things down as needed.
• Always remember to focus on airspeed and a fluid tongue motion.

Good luck, and start listening to yourself as I would if I were in the room with you!