Common brass playing faults and how to solve them

 

Common brass playing faults and their solutions (best to deal with these with a good teacher)

These are a few issues that I have notices cropping in many times in my teaching lately 

1. Breathing through the nose.

Many pupils breathe through the nose which means that the player does not have enough breath to get a good sound. Always breathe through the sides of the mouth  - you can do this with having the lips attached to the mouthpiece. This means you will get a good full lung's worth of breath which is essential for good wind playing.

2. Not using the tongue to start notes

To get a good start to the notes you need to place the tongue behind the top teeth to create a seal and release the tongue to start the note - practice saying Tah but with the tongue more forward. On lower notes the tongue will be low on the teeth or even the back of the top lip. 

3. Using the tongue to stop the note.

Often pupils can use the tongue to stop the note (tut) which makes the note have an overall poor tone quality. Always just let the tongue stay low in the mouth after tonguing a note unless you are playing a very short note or series of short notes - then you will need to use the tongue to stop the note.

4. Pear-shaped notes.

Note shapes in general should be solid throughout like bricks - avoid playing notes that are 'pear-shaped' - getting louder and then softer. This gets in the way of smooth legato.

5. Problems with high notes

As you go higher the bottom lip should move slightly inwards and the air stream should get faster (push the air through faster). Sides of the lips should be tight. High notes need regular practice to improve. Avoid having the lips too tightly closed together as they have to vibrate - so try to keep them as open as possible even in the high register.

6. Problems with low notes

Low notes can sound nasal unless the lips are as open as they can be. Imagine that you have a hot potato in your mouth and use the vowel 'Taw'. Jaw should move outwards and downwards slightly.

7. Practice

You won't improve much without good regular and focused practice. Play the harder parts of the music in slow motion but really accurately -  then slowly increase the speed with a metronome. Avoid just playing through without any purpose.

8. Get a good quality mouthpiece that isn't too small - this is the most important part of the instrument and keep it clean. It is a good idea to go to somewhere like Phil Parker to try out a selection. The one that comes with the instrument is usually not ideal and too small. Best mouthpiece manufacturers are Vincent Bach and Schilke.

9. Play with other people in bands, orchestras, small groups - this is motivational and fun - that's what music is about.