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Re: Long tones

Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-10-23 19:17

Another tip o' the hat to Paul -- this is the long tone exercise that I use and teach.

I adopted it to strengthen my double-lip embouchure endurance considerably.

Garth -- (this is a shot in the dark) -- I would guess that you have trained yourself to "exert" the facial muscles while playing. In the beginning when learning the correct embouchure or, more still, when changing from a defective embouchure to an improved one there IS a lot of exertion and "flexion" in the facial muscles.

But as you perfect the embouchure it is supposed to dissipate. Some people must consciously "let go" of the exertion/flexion and simply let it work.

Do I recall correctly that you were a dancer previously? A great way to recognize what you're looking for, a comparison of over-exertion to simply-doing, is to stand up: recognize how few muscles it takes to keep you upright and balanced. For comparison -- flex most of your muscles while standing, and then release them and return to normal, balanced, standing.

I'm guessing that while you play your embouchure/facial muscles could be much more relaxed while maintaining their function.

My apologies if this was down the wrong alley and of little use!

James

Gnothi Seauton

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