Posted by Michael Grant on September 15, 1999 at 22:38:50:
In Reply to: Practice Mute posted by Doug on September 14, 1999 at 15:04:20:
Doug -
Assuming you're a tubist: I use a Stonelined "Mannie Klein Practice Mute".
It worked very well when I lived in an apartment. I also discovered that
it helped my use of air/air flow! After practicing with the practice mute,
I would take it out and suddenly, the horn blew incredibly free and open.
That lead me to focusing on a more free, easy moving air column. It was a
neat little benefit. Another possibility, John Fletcher used a euphonium
mute as his practice mute. It fit into his bell while traveling! He would
also use it in master classes to get the younger players to open up their
sound (similar to what I described above). He would put the mute in their
horns, have them blow as hard as they could and on the third or fourth time,
slip the mute out without telling the student. The huge sound they made
usually made them jump!
Have fun.
Mike