Trombone Lesson 5: Tonguing

Summary

This video tutorial explains the concept of tonguing on the trombone, focusing on how the tongue helps articulate notes. The instructor breaks down the technique by teaching viewers to say 'two' and recognize how the tongue touches behind the top teeth. The lesson emphasizes connecting notes through a steady stream of air while using the tongue to interrupt the airflow gently. Exercises are provided to practice both connected and separated notes, helping beginners develop their tonguing technique and improve their trombone playing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tonguing is the use of the tongue to start a note on the trombone, similar to saying the word 'to'.
• 👅 When saying 'to', the tongue should touch behind the top teeth at the tip.
• 💨 The exercise involves saying 'to' without voice, just using air to produce the sound.
• 🖐️ Place your palm in front of your mouth to feel the air break when saying 'to'.
• 🎺 The same technique applies to playing an F note on the trombone, with the air breaking into separate sounds.
• 🔄 The air should not stop when playing connected notes; it's a continuous stream of air with the tongue flicking the air.
• 🪈 Separated notes involve more distinct breaks in the air stream, making each sound more isolated.
• 🎶 The difference between connected and separated notes is noticeable; connected notes sound smoother, while separated notes have clear breaks.
• 🎧 Listening and repeating rhythms helps to develop tonguing techniques, both connected and separated.
• 🎵 Practicing these exercises consistently will make tonguing easier and improve control over connected and separated notes.

Q & A

What is tonguing on the trombone?

Tonguing on the trombone refers to the use of the tongue to start a note, creating clear articulation in playing.

How do you say the word 'to' to practice tonguing?

To practice tonguing, say the word 'to' (T-O-O) and focus on where your tongue touches in your mouth, specifically behind your top teeth.

Where should your tongue touch when saying 'to'?

When saying 'to,' your tongue should touch right behind your top teeth.

What should you do to feel the correct tongue placement?

You should take your finger and touch the area right behind your top teeth where your tongue makes contact when saying 'to'.

How can you practice tonguing without using your voice?

You can practice tonguing without using your voice by using just the airstream, creating the same 'to' motion but with air only.

What is the purpose of putting your palm in front of your mouth during practice?

Putting your palm in front of your mouth helps you feel the airstream break momentarily as you articulate the 'to' motion.

How do you apply tonguing on the trombone while playing an F note?

To apply tonguing while playing an F note on the trombone, use the 'to' motion with a steady stream of air, creating distinct but connected sounds.

What is the difference between connected and separated notes?

Connected notes are played with a continuous stream of air, where the tongue briefly interrupts the air without stopping it. Separated notes involve distinct breaks in the air stream, creating individual sounds.

Why do beginning players often mistake connected notes for separated notes?

Beginning players often mistake connected notes for separated ones because they might unintentionally break the air stream, thinking they are playing connectedly when they are not.

How can you practice distinguishing between connected and separated notes?

To practice distinguishing between connected and separated notes, play rhythms on the trombone while focusing on maintaining a steady air stream for connected notes and intentionally breaking the air stream for separated notes.