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Re: Learning to cross the break easily

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2024-03-02 01:44

I've always thought it is best not to even think "break." As a beginner it may seem daunting to play from the A (the second space on the staff) to only the very next note which is the B (middle line of the staff). However, if you are armed with the notion that it does require more air to move to the next register (as it does on a recorder......no fancy register key there!), it should go much easier.

I start students with moving from (for example) from the C (first ledger line below the staff) to the G that sits on top of the fifth line of the staff - same fingering, just adding the register key AND a little more effort. You can pick other note combinations that are the same octave and a fifth apart starting from the low F (that's the note on the third ledger line below the staff) paired with the C which is the third space of the staff. Play the low note as slow half note (or even whole note), then simultaneously add the register key and more ENERGY. The upper member of the pair should pop out rather nicely now (play that the same length). Try that several times getting used to that feel and sound. Mix up the pairs of notes you use. Then, try that from the upper note to the lower note (a little harder to cut back on energy but that's the idea). Once you have a comfortable control over that idea you can then try the "dreaded" A to B now armed with the knowledge of how that feels properly.

............Paul Aviles

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