I'm not sure when I actually did it or not; like I said, it was more or less subconcious. All I knew of it was what people were telling me after my performances.SqueakyOnion wrote:So Nick (the ex-epileptic, or anyone else who would like to respond), did you move ALL THE TIME when you played, during technical and melodic parts?
I'm told that most people can get away with moving a little, but especially in my case, being around 6'5''+, everything gets a little more magnified. Shoulders rising and falling is a problem with air, and if nothing else, causes tension. It seems to be the trademark of jazz saxophone players, where the most famous of the idiom are trying to kill that stereotype (were you ever a sax player?).SqueakyOnion wrote:After watching myself in a mirror, my bell only actually moves, at most, 4 or 5 inches, usually just an inch or two. The only other thing I noticed was that my shoulders tend to rise and fall ever so slightly with the music. Would doing this really constrict my air? As we all know, air is very precious to a WIND player...
You don't have to be COMPLETELY still, but practicing thinking about being still will be a good excercise. It's like practicing taking the largest breaths you can take, but in performance, you probably don't want to spend the time during rests doing that. The practice just helps you take larger breaths naturally.SqueakyOnion wrote:Should I try to remain totally still when playing?
The ability to move/not move should have no effect on your ability to express your music. Music is sound; not sight. Sure, it makes people THINK you know what you're doing, until the visual is taken away. Like I quoted before, "Play by SOUND, not by FEEL." That's what Prof. Ebbers stressed to me many times. If you want to move to the music, take up dancing.SqueakyOnion wrote:When I play remaining totally still, I feel almost inhibited from make the music more expressive.
There can be many. Moving keeps your chops from being still on the mouthpiece, which can cause leaks, shifting embouchures, etc. It can cause problems with air. It can also cause tension, which will also affect your air intake. You ever notice how most trumpet players keep their right pinkie out of the ring next to the valves? Sure, some people do it, but it's a good idea not to due to the lack of independent digits. Or like puffing your cheeks. Bottom line, just don't do it.SqueakyOnion wrote:I guess I really just want to know what the negative effects, if any, my movement has on my playing?
Nick
), but with all due respect, I think I'm tending to disagree with you on a "no-movement" idea, except for certain instances where the environment calls for complete stillness.