How to the tongue control

[tptguy]

Author
oj
Veteran Member

Joined: Jan 07, 2003
Posts: 165
From: Norway
Posted: 2003-01-27 03:57
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In "Trumpet Sectets" (T.S.), Callet says:
(HOW TO PRACTICE - pg. 23)

"Of utmost importance, YOU MUST CO SLOWLY
because you are going to strengthen the entire
embouchure by development of muscles moving
in a direction that you may have never used.
Never try to rush by playing too high or too fast.
You should develop very strong low tones from
low C below the staff down to low G flat.
Make sure low tones have perfect center, no spread!"

In a recent post, I asked about "spit buzz".
Why?
Well, I've been thinking a lot about how to develop
this new tonguing.
Are there any exercises I can do without the trumpet
(when walking, wathinc TV, etc. etc.)?
As Calles says - we are developing "muscles moving
in a direction".

We have to crawl before walking, and walk before running

The exercises in T.S. is lacking a bit of the early types
of material IMO.

I have used Jeff Smileys book (doing tonguing instead of
sluring). I've also "invented" my own things like:

"Six notes" (a'la Caruso)

- not only from G to C, but from low G to C, from
low C to F, etc. etc.
When doing this, I tap the foot and concentrate on
feeling the tongue being forward and "fat" all the time.

This really helps.

I would very much like to hear what you guys did, when
starting out on this type of tonguing!

Ole

P.S.

Bahb Civiletti told me (in an interview I'm having with him):

The sub-title, “Secrets of the Tongue Controlled Embouchure”
came to me while waiting in an airport in Germany and re-reading
the drafts.
I realized that the Tongue controlled the entire Embouchure.


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The General
Veteran Member

Joined: Nov 07, 2001
Posts: 343
From: Londonderry, NH 603-421-9178
Posted: 2003-01-27 06:17
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Hi, OJ!

It sounds like you are on the right track. In the end, you will have "OJ" Chops... having found elements of all of the things that work for you, and putting them together to form your own efficient embouchure.

I would agree that the tongue is a vital part of the embouchure. However, it's function, to a larger degree, has more to do with controlling the airstream. With SC, and the BE, the tongue is used for articulation, as well.

With TCE, I think that the focus is simply on keeping the tongue forward. This is a deviation from what was stated in the earlier Super Chops book.

As for what to practice, I used a lot of flexibility studies... Emory Remington Trombone Exercises... tongued, and later slurred. The toughest interval, at first, is between C and E in the staff. It required a lot more forward positioning movement, than I had in my "muscle memory". (Mostly because that was undeveloped, with the new system.)

The tongue, and lips have a "position" for every note in the overtone series. It is the "balance" between these two entities, coupled with a well supported airstream, that make it all happen.

There has been a lot of good testimony written here, stressing development from the bottom up. You have echoed that. Although, once developed, range is greatly enhanced.... it should not be the focus.

I hope that this helps!

Best regards,
Bruce
_________________
Bruce Lee - http://www.NorthernBrass.com - (603) 421-9178

... "Dedicated to the Comeback Trumpet Player"

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tptguy
Heavyweight Member

Joined: Nov 12, 2001
Posts: 556
From: Philadelphia, Pa
Posted: 2003-02-01 00:12
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To start in the right direction, I don't think you can find a better set of exercises than pp 38 and 39 in "Secrets". Rest between each exercise. Repeat as as many times and as often as needed in order to build. Move on only when you are following Jerry's instructions to the "T" and the exercise is truly easy. Best regards, Kyle

PS - For advanced study, move onto Arbans, Carnival of Venice, Var II, pg 341 in Carl Fisher ed.