Need help with volume.....

[Gillestar1]

Kinda a novice here to Jazz improv, but I can play what I hear in my head as far as notes go. The problem is that I am do not think of varying volume....( Any recommendations on ways to correct this? Any jazz artists to listen to that are exceptional at this? Any help would be appreciated.....
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SMILE!! It takes only 17 muscles to smile...43 muscles to frown. Conserve energy. )

Kurt

[musicmonkey]

I think that if you really listen to just about any jazz artist, you will hear how they use dynamics. It doesn;t necessarily have to be a trumpet player either, just pick one of your favorites and really listen to how they play, then try to imitate their use of dynamics. After a while, dynamics will become an unconcious habit.

So, listen and imitate (concentrating on dynamics).

nate

[Gillestar1]

I am paying more attention to my volume lately, since I realize it is another tool to make notes into music. I notice that when I improvise to the Radio or CD's, I do vary my volume much more (although I still need to do better) than when I practice. Would it help to pretend you are performing while you practice?? How many of you do that, and do you find that it helps?

[musicmonkey]

I think there are two meanings for 'perform.' Personally, I think it is good to always play as if you have an audience, don't allow mistakes or horrible noises to come out of the end of your horn. That means practice piece up/down an octave, slower, and/or piece by piece. This way, you learn to always play at your best and performaces are less stressful and elss of a change of pace.

But, I don't let my 'audience' effect what I play only how I play it. While you probably won't perform scales or lip slurs for an audience, you should still practice them!


I guess I got a little side-tracked there. I don't really like to purposefully vary dynamics just to impress an audience (real or imagined), just play what you hear, but always play it well. If you don't hear much dynamic contrast, there is no rule that tells you you have to. Just have fun and play what's in your head.

nate

[tom turner]

Hi,

Speaking a language in conversation, and playing music shares one thing in common.

Some speakers put you to sleep with a boring monotone delivery that never varies in excitement, inflection or volume. Other speakers could take the same speech and make you cheer and cry. Same with musicians . . . some play each note "perfectly" as far as time and pitch goes, but don't vary the volume, inflection and excitement. Others move you to excitement, joy . . . and even tears due to the passion they put into their expressive interpretations.

Think "conversation" and "emotion" when you play a phrase. Try to be expressive in your own way and play with passion. The guitarist Carlos Santana tells people that he tries to play each note as if he is speaking it to a crowd with great passion. Try this. You'll "connect" with your listener more dramatically . . . even if that listener is only you in the practice room.

Dynamics?????? Gosh, if you try what I just wrote . . . I assure you that dynamics will be subconciously a result of your "communications."

Sincerely,

Tom Turner

[Gillestar1]

What about singing a phrase or tune first? Does anyone feel that helps them play with more feeling and variation?

[musicmonkey]

It seems like you have some good ideas about how to improve your dynamics, why not try them? Just because they work for somebody here doesn't mean they will work for you. Try singing a phrase first and see how it effects your dynamics -- the point is that you can discover quite through personal experience, so have fun with it!

nate

[rafq]

The key for me in using dynamics & inflection in my playing is who I get interms of a rhythm section.....specifically the drummer. Sometimes the Cats just wont let you use dynamics. I tend to play in small places with no horn mikes, so I am so dependent on the rhythm section listening me & my Tenor guy.

[Gillestar1]

Quad C..why do I need to listen to and practice Classical music?? I am not doubting you, but just wondering why....k??
_________________
SMILE!! It takes only 17 muscles to smile...43 muscles to frown. Conserve energy. )

Kurt

[Quadruple C]

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-09-30 15:18 ]

[Gillestar1]

OK, David....that makes sense. I will listen to some classical music.....any suggestions? I have Haydn's Trumpet Concerto, Beethovens Symphonies, and some Mozart French Horn pieces....
_________________
SMILE!! It takes only 17 muscles to smile...43 muscles to frown. Conserve energy. )

Kurt

[Quadruple C]

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-09-30 15:19 ]

[tritonesub]

[tritonesub]

I think as far as dynamics go, try to just go with what is already happening in the music. If your rhythm section is playing louder, and the momentum is heading upward, playing a little louder might be the right choice, and vice versa.

I think the perfect trumpet player to listen to is Miles for this concept, because he was the master of nuance. I reccomend listening to the My Funny Valentine, Four and More record. The way he uses dynamics to manipulate the rhythm section is a thing of beauty.

[rafq]

Excellent point.........Miles did not put up with sidemen without that sensability.......I'm sure you heard the stoties about Miles telling Monk to lay out during his solos...not that he didn't like Monks playing...he just didn't like what he was doing behind him.