Hi Daniel, It's definitely very difficult to do this kind of thing. Maybe you can try this kind of progressive exercise:
(r = rest) 1) Play a downbeat every measure (1 & r & r & r & ), repeating this pattern 2) Now only include a downbeat every other measure (1 & r & r & r & r & r & r & r &) 3) Repeat with fewer and fewer downbeats until you can make it the entire length of the passage. I suggest doing this exercise at the marked tempo as well as faster. It's amazing how reasonable q=172 can feel after trying to play at q=200 or above. The point of this exercise is to reinforce your ability to feel a downbeat every measure (first through physical action, then internalized). You can also set your metronome to half the speed (e.g. q=86) and feel it in two, which makes things seem less frantic. Since it's a mental trick, you want frequent bursts of practice. Even 1-2 minutes of practice once every 30-90 minutes (just singing or free buzzing the rhythm) is going to yield fast results. With metronomes on our computers, phones, and other devices, it's easy to do this kind of short, frequent, off-horn practice. If you can take a nap after a practice session that's even better, as it will help consolidate these skills more quickly. Best wishes, Marc Gelfo Hong Kong Philharmonic _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
