Re: Re: Re: diaphragm placement/bore size?


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Posted by Rick Denney on April 17, 2002 at 15:21:10:

In Reply to: Re: Re: diaphragm placement/bore size? posted by Bill on April 17, 2002 at 14:58:24:

I just watched myself breathe, and I'm pretty sure that the diaphragm is in one particular place for a given inflation of the lungs. Sure, I might be able to isometrically tighten other adbominal muscles around it, but I can't see that doing so would cause anything but harm. Certainly it violates every principle of relaxed exhalation I've ever heard from professional tuba teachers and players at all levels.

I do control pitch with the support I provide, but that support, it seems to me, is in the corners of the embouchure and in making sure I have a good air supply. I might speed up the air to make things a bit more sharp, but speeding up the air implies letting it flow through a smaller hole--i.e. by firming up the corners.

The diaphragm is largely controlled involuntarily. Shouldn't it mostly stay that way?

Rick "for whom tension is the enemy" Denney


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