Beginner Playing Long Notes Works

[Jeanette]

For all you beginners, I have just had my 3rd lesson with a new tutor and we have been working on tone/pitch. All he has been asking me to do is concentrate on my blowing, diaphragm support and tonguing and a little bit on timing. (My first tutor had me playing short tunes which even to my ear didn't sound right).

So as boring as it was and disturbing for the household I have just been blowing A,B,C and G for as long as I can and I must admit I did think the tone/pitch (still not sure I can explain the difference between the two) was staying even for longer than it used too.

He was really surprised last night at how much I had improved, which was really satisfying.

Jx

 

[GsySaxMan]

Morning, early riser too!

I agree on the value of long notes Jeanette, part of my practise regime everyday. Here's a couple of PDFs which I find useful in putting some structure around what can be a bit of a boring exercise:

http://www.timpricejazz.com/lessons/longtone2.pdf

http://www.timpricejazz.com/lessons/longtones.pdf

Hope you find them useful, have a good day!

Cheers,

 

[Jeanette]

Morning, early riser too!

I agree on the value of long notes Jeanette, part of my practise regime everyday. Here's a couple of PDFs which I find useful in putting some structure around what can be a bit of a boring exercise:

http://www.timpricejazz.com/lessons/longtone2.pdf

http://www.timpricejazz.com/lessons/longtones.pdf

Hope you find them useful, have a good day!

Cheers,

Thank you

 

[Andante cantabile]

All my practice sessions begin with fifteen minutes of long tones. It is a good way of hearing anything that isn't quite right.

 

[kevgermany]

Good points. It's not just stability of pitch, but also how nice/bad the notes sound. A very beneficial exercise!

 

[Nick Cook]

My teacher's getting me doing long notes now.

 

[Targa]

All my practice sessions begin with fifteen minutes of long tones. It is a good way of hearing anything that isn't quite right.

I tend to practise holding long, low notes for 30 to 40 seconds after I've been playing for an hour or so. I can't get them right until it's well warmed up.

 

[saxysax]

Perhaps it'll help with the foghorny bits.

Or am I the only one who suffers from foghornitus.

 

[trimmy]

Perhaps it'll help with the foghorny bits.

Or am I the only one who suffers from foghornitus.

Depends how big your mouth is ))

 

[Two Voices]

I like long notes, once I master circular breathing ... ))

Seriously, though long notes really do help your intonation and developing the ear as to what sounds right and in tune. You do have to concentrate though! If you're not thinking about it then its a waste of time IMO.

Sounds like your getting to grips with your Soprano Jeanette! Enjoy!

Paul

 

[saxysax]

Depends how big your mouth is ))

My mouth has stretched considerably over the years so I can now fit my feet comfortably within. At least it is now in proportion with my hooter.

It could be the hooter thing, couldn't it?

I've been trying long notes and exhausting myself - I have to confess, none sound too good.

But they will.

 

[Rico Vandoren]

Starting on middle G, and with the metronome set at 60, I play the G for 16 beats, then down to F sharp for 4 beats. Take a breath, play F sharp for 16, and then F for 4, and so on, down to bottom B flat. Then right back up to top F sharp, and back down to middle G. It takes a long time but it certainly warms you up and practices long notes at the same time.

 

[saxysax]

Starting on middle G, and with the metronome set at 60, I play the G for 16 beats, then down to F sharp for 4 beats. Take a breath, play F sharp for 16, and then F for 4, and so on, down to bottom B flat. Then right back up to top F sharp, and back down to middle G. It takes a long time but it certainly warms you up and practices long notes at the same time.

:shocked:

I want one of those emoticons that bow to the feet and shuffle out the room backwards.

How long did it take you to do that? Have you ever been a smoker?
Why don't you float away when you breath in so much?
I must be blowing it all wrong.

 

[kevgermany]

Breath with your belly, not your lungs. Seriously.

 

[Sunray]

Your wish is my command - Well almost ...

:shocked:

I want one of those emoticons that bow to the feet and shuffle out the room backwards.

How long did it take you to do that? Have you ever been a smoker?
Why don't you float away when you breath in so much?
I must be blowing it all wrong.

Would you like to make a wish saxysax ?
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View attachment 859

Click Me!
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[saxysax]

Yes, yes, Sunray ... one of them will do fine. Thank you.

And, Kev I've been practicing my breathing in the car and at my desk. All-together-now ... In, fat belly, doo, doo, doo, etc

I've also been doing those whistle and grin exercises ... don't half get some odd looks when at the traffic lights etc. I'm going to have cheeks like a granny's side-board soon.


Match my mouth and hooter, I suppose.

 

[kevgermany]

Would you like to make a wish saxysax ?
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View attachment 859

Click Me!
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Is this a touch of genie-ous?

 

[kevgermany]

lol, must check that out!