Author: d-oboe
Date: 2006-08-03 22:17
"In fact, the most common criticism of my playing that I have encountered is that I "blow too aggressively"."
In my experience, it is always better to have reeds that require a good amount of air for optimal function, rather than reeds than only need a peep of air to work. Perhaps you blow so hard that you seize the airstream- I don't know- but I think it's good that you blow too much; it's very easy to tone down.
Perhaps think of having a "wide" but full stream of air... like filling up all the little nooks and crannies of the reed. Also, keep in mind that as you go up in range, less air volume is needed for correct vibration. Low Bb needs the most, and it gets progressively less as you go up. Don't confuse this with air pressure. High notes, contrary to popular belief use LESS air, but they need higher air *pressure*.
Back to the reeds...make sure the reeds offer very little restriction of air - something all too common with american scrape reeds. In other words you shouldn't feel like you have to hold back your air. You need to be able to "lean" on the reed with all your available abdominal power. But there's a catch, however...the reed must respond! The best way to get the best of both worlds, is to make sure the centre of the tip still has some thickness, while the edges of the tip are *super* thin. This will allow you to play a "ppp" and a "fff" on all notes. Even the low ones!
But whatever you do, don't give up on the breath...it's the life force of your playing!
D
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