Steven Slaff wrote: > In the last few years I have been taught a number of > different ways of "supporting" air by a number of different > teachers (all were employed or retired from full time > professional orchestras).
Having several teachers in the last few years is a less than ideal way to study. > The interesting (and > confusing) thing is that some of their methods are completely > opposing! > Some say that you should have a "tightness" or "firmness" in your gut. > Others say to have almost no tension whatsoever in your > abdominal muscles. Bad teachers assume everyone must do it their way; good teachers help students do whatever is needed to improve their playing. > Obviously the different methods work for different players, > and I've been experimenting around with them recently. What > I've discovered so far is that if my stomach is too tight, it > inhibits the air flow out and forces me to squeeze, but if I > have no tension in my stomach then my air stream is not quite > strong enough for a good sound and high register playing. This is really a matter for you and your teacher. You must have confidence that your teacher's approach will help your playing, otherwise you should find a new teacher, but if you are working with experienced professionals, each may be deserving of your trust and able to help you - but not if you don't give them your trust and sufficient time to work with you. > So the question to you hornlisters: How do you "support" your > air and why? It may be worth mentioning that "support" is an area of disagreement among teachers of other things as well, e.g., voice. Personally, I find thinking about the stream of air as it passes through my embouchure does what I need and I do not consider the issue of "support" directly in my playing, but when I have asked my teacher about this, he just says, "You do that fine" and we move on to something else - good enough for me. -S- _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
