OMEA Trumpet Video #3 1

Summary

This instructional video focuses on breathing, tonguing, and articulation techniques essential for producing a clear sound while playing a wind instrument. It emphasizes the importance of proper posture and air support, guiding players to breathe deeply by filling their lungs entirely, using the stomach area to control the airflow. The video also highlights the role of the tongue in sound production, demonstrating tonguing techniques like 'tah' or 'da.' The practice session includes playing quarter notes at various tempos, encouraging viewers to maintain control and adjust their breathing while playing.

Takeaways

• 💨 Proper breathing and tonguing, also known as articulation, are essential for making a good, clear sound.
• 🧘‍♂️ Good posture and air support are fundamental. Ensure that you are filling every inch of your lungs, down to the bottom.
• 🎈 Your stomach area should expand like you're filling a balloon when you breathe in, not your shoulders.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Control your air when exhaling; don’t release it all at once. Controlled breathing helps sustain sound.
• 👅 The tongue releases the sound by touching the roof of the mouth at the points where you say 'tah', 'toe', 'da', or 'do'.
• 🎶 Practice playing four quarter notes together, pressing down valves one and two.
• ⏳ Fill your lungs deeply from bottom to top as you prepare to play, maintaining controlled breathing.
• 👄 Breathe through the corners of your mouth, not lifting your shoulders.
• 🎵 Adjust your tempo according to the instructor's count to practice maintaining different rhythms.
• 👍 Keep practicing quarter notes and quarter rests at various tempos to improve your articulation and breath control.

Q & A

What is the key factor in producing a clear sound when playing an instrument?

A good clear sound depends on posture and proper breathing, specifically focusing on air support.

How should one breathe to ensure proper air support?

You should fill every inch of your lungs, including the lower part near your stomach, which should expand like filling a balloon.

What should your shoulders do when you breathe correctly?

Your shoulders should not rise. Instead, your stomach area should expand and contract as you breathe in and out.

How does proper breathing help in controlling the airflow when playing?

Proper breathing helps in controlling the air, ensuring that it is not released all at once but in a steady, controlled manner.

Where should the tongue be positioned to release sound?

The tongue should touch the roof of the mouth at the point where you would say 'tah,' 'toe,' 'da,' or 'do.'

What specific instructions were given before playing the quarter notes?

The instructor gave a four quarter-note count-in, instructed to press valves one and two down, and encouraged deep breathing throughout the exercise.

What was the tempo change introduced during the practice session?

The tempo was made slower during the practice session, and students were asked to listen carefully and adjust accordingly.

What breathing technique is recommended when playing quarter notes?

The recommended technique is to breathe deeply from the corners of your mouth, ensuring continuous air support while playing.

How should one practice to improve playing at different tempos?

The instructor encourages practicing at various tempos and listening carefully to match the tempo changes during the session.

What final encouragement did the instructor offer at the end of the session?

The instructor praised the students for doing great and motivated them to keep practicing, emphasizing that it will be a great practice session.