Posted by Christopher on September 24, 1999 at 12:55:57:
In Reply to: lower register posted by Jeremy on September 24, 1999 at 12:29:37:
Since none of us on the bboard can observe your playing and make specific suggestions, it's best to continue working on what your teacher suggests, and really practice and concentrate -- it's not so easy staying loose when you're so used to the tension you already have.
But generally, the key is awareness. If you can pinpoint where you are tight and how tight you are, it's much, much easier to loosen up! I strongly recommend that you check out Barry Green's book "The Inner Game of Music." While a lot of people (myself included) have a hard time with the slightly new agey and heavily be-all-end-all tone of the writing, there are some wonderful suggestions and techniques that can help you loosen up and open up your lower register. Provided you keep practicing!