Multiphonics Use For Range and Tone Production

[MartyNeilan]

Troy,
Do a little research on "Throat Singing" aka overtone singing - sounds like something you might be interested in.

One example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vkejOp9wOc

[TubaBob]

I have often heard it said "whatever makes you lips buzz is good practice." As your system evolves you may find your technique evolving in new ways as well. When your lips buzz well (strong, flexible, resonant) enough to do the rep. you quote, you're certainly on a right path.

Say hi to Ralph Ford from me.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

I've begun devising a method for my own rehearsal that utilizes multiphonics to develop range and tone. I've figured out from experimenting that you can improve tone and range by singing scales as you play them, however the results are temporary.

How long do the results last, and why do you think they are temporary?

Scale in your horns pitch + Multiphonics Level 1.

Play a Bb, C, Eb, or F, scale 2 octaves while singing a third over each note.

I'm already a bit lost here...assuming you're starting your 2 octave Bb scale on the Bb below the bass clef staff, it seems very low to be doing multiphonics at the third...are you adjusting and doing a 10th in the lowest octave? If so, where do you switch?

Scale in your horns pitch + Multiphonics Level 2

Pitched scale 1 Octave beginning on the highest pitch of the scale on the last excercise.

Not sure what you mean here by "Pitched scale." Do you just mean the same scales used in Level 1? So, for Bb major, starting on Bb top of the bass clef staff?

Scales + Multiphonic Level 3

Glory time! 3 or 4 or (for the freaks) 5 octave scale with Multiphonic 3rd nestled gently in the bossom of the flut- (ahem!) In the note your playing.

No way you can do even 4 octaves without some adjustment of the singing octave. 5 octaves? Starting on pedal Bb (for example, on a C tuba), you would have to go up to Bb two ledger lines above the treble clef. How can you use multiphonics through that entire range?

Intervals + Multiphonics Level 4

Self explanatory! However we're tuba players aren't we. So, i'll explain. Work T to 2, T to 3, T to 4, T to 5, T to (oh you get the idea. 12 or 15 scales depending on how anal you are. Work them slow at first then bust a funky move on said intervals and begin varying the multiphonic. Pay close attention to the attacks and endings and be sure to only sing when playing and vice versa. Look for attacks, Speed, Flexibility, and of course Timbre. Make sure you have all your attacks down, and quickly, before you move on.

I must be slower than most tuba players. Example: Bb-C, Bb-D, Bb-Eb, Bb-F, etc...is that what you meant? Then vary the multiphonic interval being used.

I devote a good hour to my 6 hours of practice and I think it's a good ratio. If you practice 2 hours a day (you should be doing at least that.) Do this stuff for 20 minutes a day.

Hey, congrats to you for working so hard, but the TubeNet audience is very diverse. Don't come in here telling people how much they need to be practicing.

It sounds like a neat approach...I've always enjoyed messing around with multiphonics...I just don't understand what you are doing in the extreme low and high registers (or even the not-so-extreme low register...I can't sing that low).

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Thanks for the clarification. I'll try some of these exercises sometime.

My range is Pedal Bb to C4 which would be, from the 6th ledger line below the bass clef and the second space from the top in the treble clef. That's 5 octaves.

'fraid not...that's a 4 octave scale plus one step. To get a 5 octave scale from your pedal Bb you would have to continue up above the treble clef staff.

You can't say you have a 2 octave range when you can only play 2 Bbs...that's a 1 octave range. You can play 5 Bbs, giving you a 4 octave range (plus one step).

[MikeMason]

If you can sound good and have facility on those 4 octaves,4 is more than enough... Lowest note I've played for $-low D in Prok.Cinderella Suite.Highest note I've played for $-f# above the staff in Rite of Sping.If you're going to audition for anything serious,you need an Ab/G# for Bydlo and the RVW cadenza.Of course it's always nice to have a few extra notes in either direction for insurance