Tone Production & Embouchure Strengthening

Do not underestimate the power long tone exercises have in improving sound. The
thought of doing long tone exercises however can seem a bit unappetizing. Because of
this we tend to stay away from them. Many long tone exercises are built around
sustaining one isolated tone before switching to another. This new exercise offers a fun
and exciting way to involve long tones as you travel through your Daily Routine.
 
How it works

1. Play the exercise on the instrument. This will not only improve tone production, but
also help with pitch recognition.
2. Play the exercise on the mouthpiece only.
3. Interchange on the instrument or mouthpiece as needed.

Focus in on each individual note and continuing the pursuit of tonal perfection.

Playing on the mouthpiece enhances

Tone Production
Accuracy of pitch
Range extension
Endurance
Airflow

With so much at stake, it becomes imperative that you include some form of
mouthpiece buzzing in your daily routine. Time well spent on the mouthpiece will result
in an astonishing amount of growth fundamentally.

Benefits of Tone Production

Improves on tone sonority.

Develops better air flow and air management.
Improves on pitch accuracy.
Develops stamina.
Improves embouchure strength.

Remember to encourage each student to focus in on each individual note in pursuit on

tonal perfection. There is no denying that if the exercise is performed on a daily basis,
overall sound and sonority will improve.
 Flexibility/Embouchure Strengthening

Without question, flexibility and embouchure strengthening exercises are one of the
staples in building fundamentals. These exercises were developed not only to help one
move fluidly and effortlessly throughout the entire range of the instrument, but also
help build embouchure strength and endurance.

In slurring in the upward direction

Increase the air speed while raising the back of the tongue. This will help facilitate an
effortless sound as you move through the partials.

In slurring in the downward direction

Lower the back of the tongue and increase the volume of air. During this process, the
aperture becomes bigger as the lips inside the cup of the mouthpiece become more
relaxed. This creates less tension within the cup allowing the lips to vibrate generously
and produce an unforced sound throughout the entire register of the instrument.

Chromatic/Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precise, coordinated finger and hand movements is an important
component of playing an instrument. How well the hand motion can be manipulated is
just as important as all other aspects of playing. Sloppy or lazy movements can result in
inaccurate and poor performances. Developing great technique will only enhance great
fundamentals.

Sloppy technique with fingers, slides or hands/wrist will cause:

Poorly executed notes
Articulation issues
Rhythmic discrepancies
Inaccurate slurs

Chromatic Scale
Through the use of the chromatic scale, finger and hand dexterity can be developed.
The chromatic scale also aids in the recognition and application of enharmonic tones.
The daily implementation of chromatic work establishes finger patterns that can be
used for enhancing technical passages in music.

Finale
Awareness of good finger and hand technique on an everyday basis will only help
improve fundamental development. Taking care of fundamentals can only inspire great
performances.