Fw: [TPIN] Pressure / Pressure / Pressure

[Leon Merian]

From: LEON MERIANSubject: [TPIN] Pressure / Pressure / Pressur--

           Let me begin by saying that pressure is ALWAYS present in blowing
our horns...The correct amounts of pressure are necessary and most desirable
for good sound, good articulation, fluidity; eveness and good playing in
general.
            The most critical aspect isn't if pressure is employed but
rather
the amount of which is used is efficient.. Our "set", the contact between
the embouchure and the mpc, must be SECURE.Of course mouthpiece pressure by
itself will not be sufficent for the job...this pressure is necessary for
for having a good [steady] airstream.. As I have stated many times no
[experienced] player is going to consciously employ eccessive pressure ---we
all know that this is physically and musically not the way to go.and will
eventually become quite painful. Unless this problem is addressed and fixed,
there will not
be much improvement to take place.The two major faults that  I have found in
my experiences both in playing and teaching  are weak corners[not firmed
enough] and an inadequate air flow flowing through the embouchure.
        When the corners are not firmed [NOT rigid] enough the reaction of
the player is to increase mpc pressure so as to keep the embouchure in its
position for the pitch and tonality they desire.. Therefore, that is why I
recommend a free flowing, vigourous air column for correct mpc pressure. You
see, if your air stream is weak ,your embouchure will not have that nice
strong cushion of your breath which in turn helps your chops resist the
force of your mpc against the teeth.  Your air column must flow with a
continuous mouvement for the pitch you desire even if the air flow is a bit
reduced as your pitch goes up...this reducing of your air speed happens
because of the increased resistance in the embouchure
.....................................
         Let me be so bold as to say that you cannot acquire a strong upper
registre by not playing in that range..You have to live up there .
Also developing a strong upper registre takes TIME / yes TIME ... lots of it
!!!...Months and months ...NOT days or weeks. If you can add  a REAL
solid,usable anytime,[say two steps a year] a year I would say that you are
doing extremely well, simply two steps up....your goal then should be  two
steps a year.If you can make it a solid, USABLE three steps, I say bravo,
keep it going......Good luck to all of you hornblowers out there. Stay with
it.  Don't ever forget that we are a Tough Breed.....I started at 10 yrs old
and still honkin 70 years later !!!
                                Leon  Merian    T  M  B  T  H
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