Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2019-04-18 06:47
We first have to understand the diaphragm. For example most people, just a random number here, 90 percent or more people/players have no idea where the diaphragm is, what it does, and the location of it and the size. Please don't get into a debate with the above numbers here. It's not the true issue here.
The Alexander Technique is surely worth taking, but very hard to find a qualified instructor so you may wish to find a video or book.
I said this before and it's just an opinion, but one of the best ways is simply to blow into a balloon. Not when it's new as there is too much resistance. But after a few times when the resistance fades away. If you do this for a few weeks you will get the idea of what's going on and that is pretty much your diaphragm muscles working well along with everything else. Look into a mirror when you do this study. Sorry folks I disagree that breathing from the diaphragm is the correct answer, but it is surely part of the answer.
Something I've done for I don't know 40 plus years is warm up playing long tones. Stay with low E softly then get as go to forte then back to ppp (soft) Then F, I can pretty much hit the 45 second mark on each note, but that's NOT what my objective is. It's balancing the note so it sounds the same going from P<F>P. Nice and smooth, the sound the same, very pleasant to hear. You will probably have embouchure pressure, meaning the muscles will be getting tired. GREAT! I prefer that you use a double lip embouchure for this but if you don't want to that's fine. The reason for saying this is your upper lip may get sore or even bleed; a strong indication that your embouchure isn't adjusted right.
Doing this you will build up your breathing abilities and you will have one of the best sounds around within a year or less. The upper register will no longer be an issue. As I tell everyone, use a mirror by your stand to see what's going on when things go right and when they go wrong. It's really that easy to fix this problem.
Not mentioned but incredibly important is your reed and mouthpiece setup. I've seen very gifted pros struggle with this and I've seen some pretty messed up mouthpieces with chips and dings on the facings wondering how then can play. Or a leaking horn. So your air problem may not be all your fault. But every horn needs to be looked at once a year.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2019-04-19 11:11)
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