Re: Staccato, accenting, slurring


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Posted by Ted on February 16, 2002 at 12:51:06:

In Reply to: Staccato, accenting, slurring posted by Brandon Ostrom on February 15, 2002 at 19:25:31:

1) A stacatto note is a note that is 'detached' from the others around it. Note that this does not necessarily mean 'short'. Do NOT stop a stacatto note with your tongue, stop it with air. Make sure you give it a clean release and never make it too short that the tone cannot be heard. Think 'toh'. Go to your library and check out some recordings of tuba players to hear how they play stacatto notes.
2) The notes in the lower register are more difficult to play loudly and to accent because of one simple reason: they need a TON of air. Don't think of forcing a lot of air out, though...remember to stay relaxed. You may need to drop your jaw a bit to open your embouchure and allow more air through. Practice taking deep breaths, inhale for 4 counts and exhale all the air, while still controlled, in the same amount of time. Don't worry about 'strong accents' just yet...focus on getting a beautiful tone, even at a mp. When that happens, and only then, start practising louder.
3) Keep the air moving! All notes should be connected as if you were singing it. Think of the end of the slurred phrase as your 'goal' and direct your constant air flow towards this note.

Good luck

Ted


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