Klarinet Archive - Posting 000098.txt from 1997/05

From: WWQUINTET@-----.com
Subj: Re: Air speed
Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 15:25:04 -0400

In a message dated 97-05-03 13:42:56 EDT, theshaws@-----.
Shaw) writes:

>I have to agree with David on this one. I use the fast-cold method all
>the time with 4-6 grade students. It is a concept that helps them to
>understand not only using more air, but also helps them to play without
>tensing neck and jaw muscles.
> Just a question-has Jonathon taught young beginners? If so, please
>explain how introduce tone production to young students. I am always
>willing to learn.

Yes, but you could achieve the same result by instructing your students to
experiment with various syllables and tongue positions. From my experience,
the position of the tongue influences the direction as well as the velocity
of the air stream. Similarly, it is of paramount importance in achieving the
goal of creating maximum velocity and minimum dispersion of air, which is of
vital importance in controlling the air flow into an instrument.
Merely saying "think cold air" accomplishes little in instructing a student
on how to direct the air stream, unless the student "reads between the lines"
and formulates the proper throat position on their own. Much trial and error
could be saved by just instructing the student to use a syllable such as
"EE", which places the tongue in a middle position in the throat, and
accomplishes the same effect implied by the symbolism of "cold air." In
addition, using tongue positions as a way of directing the air also lays the
foundation for the student to begin work on overtone studies, which are
highly beneficial to the establishment of the proper laryngeal positions for
high notes and good intonation. An old exercise for demonstrating the use of
syllables is to have the student direct a stream of air at the palm of their
hand, first using the "ah" syllable and then the "ee" syllable. It is quite
obvious that more velocity, efficiency, and focus is established with the
vowel sound "ee."

Dave