Day 3:

Tone Studies (Video)

Your “tone” is your sound. This is one of the most personal aspects to anyones playing because your sound is your identity. In this lesson we are going to discuss some major problem areas that could negatively effect your sound on your instrument and explore a new exercise.

Extended Long Tones Exercise

Rehearsal notes:

• Follow the form listed in the chart below

• Each 15 count tone must be completed in one breath

• If you are unable to complete in one breath, you may either need to take a bigger breath, play softer or work on the effieceny of your embouchure. Often times players can be inefficient in their tone and have extra escaping air that isn’t being used. Also, sometimes players aren’t able to get the sound to speak right on the downbeat and sluggishly waste air in the process….but mostly, just take a bigger breath!

• Focus on a steady consistent tone at a consistent volume. Imagine how it would sound as played on a keyboard and how constant the sound would be. If you change your air, posture, embouchure, tongue placement, vowel shape or anything else while playing, your sound will ultimately change in some way. It may seem boring, but strive for consistency.

• Also focus on consistent tone as you descend. Certain notes will want to speak better on your horn than others, try your best to combat that.

• I suggest practicing first with a tuner in front of you so you can visualize where your pitch is. Once you get more consistent, pull the tuner away and use your ears. The goal is to get rid of any “beats” or “nodes” in the sound.

• Because I play on both C and Bb instruments, I have the tracks programmed accordingly.

Format

Download the Tracks

Click below to download the audio tracks for this exercise