How can I learn to control my breath better?
(Question asked on his first day of playing)
-Mark
In what ways do you think you do not control your breath well?
Not enough air?
Not controlled as you play notes?
-Neal
Hey Neal,
Certainly not controlled as I play notes. The first quarter to half second from de-tongueing the reed, the pitch varies generally (from a half tone sharp), then settles on the note, then after 4-5 seconds the pitch starts to wander. Through out the note the timbre wanders around too. From sounding like a goose-duck to a cow and briefly passing through a sound, thankfully, similar to a Sax… 🙂
Cheers
You can practice ballads or long tones, sustaining notes and trying to keep them steady. They will not be at first, but will get better as you practice and pay attention.
-Neal
Question for more experienced readers. I have a tendency to blow hard or aggressive at times especially in the upper register. This causes squeaks. Do reeds or mouth piece have anything to do with this. Also, I do realize most reeds are defected when purched. I try shaving down the darker side of the reed which helps a little . I have also bought a new Versa ligature which helps a lot better. Lastly, metal mouth piece BergLarsen # 8/5 1M. Need advice on good mouth piece. Thanks CookieD