Note centering

[Misterguru]

I sometimes have trouble centering a particular note. The next day (or even a few hours later), I am nailing it... today the trouble note is Eb in the middle of the staff (D and F surround it are centered and clear). I am playing a little jazz lick that goes up from Bb on the staff, C, Eb

The note splats around a little sounding like a rookie... all muddied up.

Last week I had the same problem and just changed my embouchure pushing my top lip in a little further and Bam! centered
Today, nothing I do will bring me a good Eb except placing almost all my lower lip on the cup, outside the mouthpiece - a VERY low MP position.

I have switched mouthpieces, no difference. I am using a Kellyburg right now on the King 2350 Sousa.

Thanks in advance.
Tim

[Ben]

Tim,
It is going to be very difficult to analyze and correctly diagnose this issue over the net. I highly recommend taking a lesson with a pupil of Dr. Reinhardt (Such as Doug Elliott present of this board). I took a lesson with Doug late last year, and he clarified my understand of how my embouchure works, which has helped to eliminate some of the same issues that you are experiencing (consistancy). I have only had experience with Mr. Elliott, there are others who are also qualified to aid in this issue. More info here http://www.magikflute.com/reinhardtfoundation/index.htm

[Bob Kolada]

When I have a problem nailing a note cleanly, usually the problem is not having the right pitch in my head. Try playing the phrase on a piano then singing or humming it.

[Ben]

changed my embouchure

placing almost all my lower lip on the cup, outside the mouthpiece - a VERY low MP position.

I am suggesting an embouchure specialist as Tim is already experimenting with this and obtaining non-reproducable results. Seeking out a speciallist my be able to put him on a solid path forward once he understands the fundamentals of how his specific embouchure type works. I admit I was remiss in mentioning that often if you can buzz the passage correctly you can play it correctly. Unfortunately if you happen to be someone like me who never used a mirror when playing, thus never realizing I was shifting embouchure "willy nilly" while slurring larger intervals. Seek out some help, I always had trouble with the D in the staff no matter how focused or well I buzzed it... I've fixed that problem now.

[Doug Elliott]

Ben, I'm very glad the things I showed you helped so much. It was great working with you - that you were open-minded to consider the very different perspective that I am coming from. And since I usually teach trombone and trumpet players, you helped me understand how to better explain what I teach as it relates to a relatvely stationary instrument instead of a player who holds the instrument.

This week I am in southern California teaching an entire band of brass players including some tubas and french horns. I'm having a great time applying the concepts to a wide variety of players and having fantastic success with everybody so far.

Misterguru, I don't know where you are but if you happen to be between San Diego and LA, or near the DC area where I usually am, I'd be happy to help you out.

[Misterguru]

Bloke, you prolly have a good point I am a bit more technical than artistic. I have been a photographer for 12 years and it took a good 4-5 of those years to let the artsy side in!
I only re-entered the world of tuba in December, but have been practicing every day... something I did NOT do as a student in high school. I am 43 years old now!

Doug, I would very much like to meet up with you some time. I am in Southern Indiana, Evansville. I will make it to you somehow... maybe a Spring or Summer trip to the DC area with the tuba! My 16 y/o should see the Smithsonian anyway

I am watching an embouchure video by "wilktone" right now on youtube. It is very interesting.
http://youtu.be/lyxXOcHhYV4" target="_blank

-Tim

[Lectron]

^^ That

[Doug Elliott]

If thinking "sound" worked so well, there'd a be a whole lot more fantastic players around.

[Bob Kolada]

They're ruined by music schools, though I suppose a lot of them never really thought sound in the first place...

[Lectron]

If thinking "sound" worked so well, there'd a be a whole lot more fantastic players around.

If you take a look at how many tuba positions there's around, I'd say there's just about enough


Sorry..just had to...

But OK....If one has a lot of 'bad habits' they should of course been removed to a certain degree
Starting the day (like when the day starts, not the rehearsal) with an hour of long notes and intervals also seems to do the trick (for me)

[opus37]

I might be interested in this training, but when I look at the list of folks, I don't know if any are near me, their charges, qualifications, etc. Is there more information available to help find other trainers rather than Doug. (I think he would be great, but he is not everywhere). Is there any further information available to help find a qualified trainer near me?

[Misterguru]

I will check with the music professors at the local University about it... after watching this video http://youtu.be/QOVWn8_GQIQ" target="_blank I think this is my issue: a double-buzz. I think I am switching from an upward to a downward stream embouchure at the E/Eb .
BUT, if I had Doug next door I would be fixed! haha
-Tim

[Doug Elliott]

I do some touring around the country - I play lead trombone with the Artie Shaw Orchestra on most of their tours, and occasionally other traveling gigs, and exhibiting my mouthpieces at brass workshops. And if there is a group of brass players interested in learning, I could be willing to come to you if it can be made worthwhile.

The other areas of the US where there are people I know who I would recommend as specifically knowing this stuff are: Keene, New Hampshire; Asheville, NC; Miami/Ft Lauderdale; and Seattle. PM me if you want contact info for any of them.

There are plenty of teachers around who can help you with a double buzz, and you don't "need" the specific way that i teach for that. I'm glad that Dave Wilkin's videos are making people aware of some issues like the airstream switch that has not really been addressed at all in mainstrean teaching.