Trombone Lesson Rant
So, I get the pleasure of being taught by a fantastic trombonist by the name of Mike Hoffman. He plays for Orange County Pacific Symphony Orchestra and teaches at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach. He is one of the sweetest Kama most patient, and endearing instructors that I've had since I picked up the trombone. Maybe a little too nice sometimes LOL. But I appreciate every lesson that I have with him nonetheless.
So with my lesson today I've been working on my recital repertoire. And I don't know if anybody cares but here's what I'm playing:
Sonata No. 1 by Galliard
Vox Gabrielli Sonata by Sulek
Bolivar for Trombone by Eric Cook
Two Staples of standard trombone repertoire and one really cool Spanish piece that I absolutely love. But what I've been dealing with us having to play in the higher register consistently and cleanly. That's where are having such an awesome instructor as Mike comes in handy. So my takeaway is from my lesson today, and what I hope to pass on to anybody who reads this is this:
1. When getting into the higher register instead of using the "DU" or "TU" consonant, instead use the "TE" pronounced tee, consonant.
2. Use a lighter tongue
3. Remember to use the support from your lungs rather than your lips.
4. Decrease the amount of tension in your body.
5. Try playing the passage that is high down an octave, and then try to play The Passage in the correct octave but using the same comfort as you did when playing down an octave.
I'm lucky to have had a instructor that had a lot of difficulties getting his high range to work so he has a slew of different techniques and approaches in order to make his high register work. And I love his high register and I strive to replicate that. Sometimes I can't tell whether or not it's a trombone playing high or a French horn LOL.
Well one of these days I'll see if I can put up a recording of my lessons on Tumblr. But for now, I hope this help somebody who needs it. I know I needed it!
