I am an old semi professional trombonist who has taken up playing after a 30 year break, all your videos are really awesome as I never looked at the science or the physical aspects of playing the trombone, although trying to play at the age of 63 is challenging your tips on how to improve are great. Thank you Chris
Thanks for reaching out Chris. I’m glad you found your way back to the horn and that the videos have been helpful to you. For much of my career I never thought about the physics of brass playing either. Changing my approach has really made things a lot easier for me. 👍🏾
I’m coming back to French Horn after almost a decade. My previous teacher had a method for setting the embouchure that was basically just meant to introduce tension. I’m trying to unlearn that method, but it is a challenge! The muscles certainly remember. This was a very helpful video for getting started identifying tension. Thank you!
You have some kick butt content about brass playing!! Thanks for sharing. Interestingly, I've been playing since the 70s. You'd be surprised how a lot of these issues creep up as the years go by and before you know it, you're scrambling for answers. Answers for things that used to be easily surmountable now detrimental Yes tension in my jaw, often. Especially when moving upward in range. Tension kicks out the breath and weak, pinched sounds result. One of the best things I've ever heard is your saying, take the sound upward with you. That is accomplished by breathing and therefore removing/eliminating tension. It's a bit of a jousting match right now but there can only be one victor. . Cheers
Thank you for your videos and help with learning the trombone. I have wanted to play for some time and have been playing the trumpet for a while now. I am 74 and decided it was time I bit the bullet and purchased my first trombone. You have been very helpful and I appreciate it.
We forget, our brain sends the instructions, then the body follows orders. If you are unfamiliar or nervous about playing a passage those instructions will be passed to our muscles. A good sigh before you play something difficult can help to calm the mind before sending the signal.
Thank you for this video. I just had a concert it went well but i noticed that my shoulders and lips were hurting a lot because I had a lot of tension. So this video really helped me understand how to fix my tension so thank you.
Alan Langley I’m glad the videos are helping you. Let relaxation in the abdominal region be your breath in. A lot of times we can over breathe and put stale air on top of what’s already there and that can lead to tension. In my video “A little R&R” I cover that topic!
Great video, tension is definitely something I need to be more aware of. Can be much easier playing when you are completely relaxed, and not over thinking.
@@TheChopsShop , i play the trumpet and started to play euphonium in a big band. Having the chance to implement all of your and Greg Spence Information, not using my primary instrument took away a lot of pressure and made it easier to create new, relaxed pathways. Therefore: thank you for sharing!
@@MrLawngesugardick That's awesome! You made the connection between the different instruments and let your body take care of the rest. It's so easy to overdo it.
I don't know if my experience is unique, but when I play (euphonium player btw), my embouchure tenses up, if I'm moving air its tense, the only time it doesn't happen is when I play in the lower register. I assumed this issue would be more easily resolved after a recent dental surgery, but the issue persisted and I'm running out of options. There are times where I get it under control for a second or two and then I lose it and it cuts my range down severely. I do apologize if asking for personalized advice in a comment section!
Hello. I'm a trumpeter. I can't manage to place the mouthpiece without wetting my lips with my tongue before playing. The mouthpiece sticks to my lips. It's kind of sticky and won't let me put the nozzle in place. Every time I place it when sticking it can't be placed. Sticky mouthpiece and lips too. I don't know how to solve this. I do not get it. Thank you very much and congratulations for your videos help a lot. greetings. I am from Spain and I do not know if my English will be understood well, which I do with google translator. Thank you.
Your English is perfect. Thank you for your comment. It’s all about the sequence of events. You’re not the only person that has to wet their lips before you play. My suggestion would be to wet you lips before you start to bring the horn towards your face. Practice bringing the horn to your face, let the mouthpiece touch your lips (don’t play a note) then bring it back down. Let your body learn how to not react when you bring the metal to your face.
Our nerves play a huge part in the signals that get sent to our muscles. Know that if fear creeps into our mind, that will effect our breathing. When we are tense, the air can’t flow without restrictions making playing in any register more difficult. Playing high is more about letting it happen then trying to make it happen.
It could effect the pitch because tension will effect our airstream. The airstream is directly related to the resonance of the instrument. The more freedom in the resonance, the more consistent the pitch will be respectively.
This might sound weird but my jaw “locks up” whenever I am about to play (and almost every other second in life) and I have to pop the air in it (what feels like air) like a joint. It is extremely hard to play well when it is locked since I cant open my jaw as far to blow more air in my horn. On rare occasions it locks completely and I can’t close it for a minute or so. This is very weird since I am only 16, it’s been happening for 2 years (have played for 5) and I honestly don’t know what to do about it. Do you know anything about jaw exercises that might help this? I play trombone and euphonium. Thanks!
Sorry to hear that you are dealing with this issue. I don't have any specific jaw exercises I practice besides saying my vowels before I play. A,E,I,O,U will help loosen up the jaw muscles in general. I learned that from actors.
I sometimes notice tension in my throat. Especially when doing 2 octave scales with no tongue. Not sure what the cause is. I wonder if I am not making the required vowel adjustments according to register.
Mark Rosenberg as we ascend the registers it’s important to remember we don’t need to “blow” more air. The air does need to move faster but the quantity should not change much. I would suggest not thinking about any shape within your oral cavity and focus on letting the air release from the body. Our bodies are really good at adjusting without us overthinking things. Hear the note you are going for and let the body match the intent. Above all stay relaxed. I hope this helps!
"You don't have to do anything, until you have to do something." A simple and usefull idea.
That philosophy saves a lot of trouble in the long run!
I am an old semi professional trombonist who has taken up playing after a 30 year break, all your videos are really awesome as I never looked at the science or the physical aspects of playing the trombone, although trying to play at the age of 63 is challenging your tips on how to improve are great.
Thank you
Chris
Thanks for reaching out Chris. I’m glad you found your way back to the horn and that the videos have been helpful to you. For much of my career I never thought about the physics of brass playing either. Changing my approach has really made things a lot easier for me. 👍🏾
I’m coming back to French Horn after almost a decade. My previous teacher had a method for setting the embouchure that was basically just meant to introduce tension. I’m trying to unlearn that method, but it is a challenge! The muscles certainly remember. This was a very helpful video for getting started identifying tension. Thank you!
“Be part of the process”. I love that idea!!!
We all have a roll to play, we don’t need to do everything all at once.
You have some kick butt content about brass playing!! Thanks for sharing. Interestingly, I've been playing since the 70s. You'd be surprised how a lot of these issues creep up as the years go by and before you know it, you're scrambling for answers. Answers for things that used to be easily surmountable now detrimental
Yes tension in my jaw, often. Especially when moving upward in range.
Tension kicks out the breath and weak, pinched sounds result.
One of the best things I've ever heard is your saying, take the sound upward with you.
That is accomplished by breathing and therefore removing/eliminating tension.
It's a bit of a jousting match right now but there can only be one victor.
.
Cheers
Trying is really the enemy, it’s almost like we have to learn how to not try and then our body’s give us the best result.
@@TheChopsShop Exactly. Like Yoda said: "you must unlearn what you have learned".
Thank you for your videos and help with learning the trombone. I have wanted to play for some time and have been playing the trumpet for a while now. I am 74 and decided it was time I bit the bullet and purchased my first trombone. You have been very helpful and I appreciate it.
I'm so glad the videos have been helpful. It's never too late to learn. Congratulations to you on starting your journey with the trombone.
I love the explanation I am 13 and play trombone in two bands and now I can fluter tongue better then my teacher.
Awesome, keep up the good work!
Tension it seems it starts depending on how familiar I am with my music. Thank so much. You are an amazing instructor
We forget, our brain sends the instructions, then the body follows orders. If you are unfamiliar or nervous about playing a passage those instructions will be passed to our muscles. A good sigh before you play something difficult can help to calm the mind before sending the signal.
Thank you for this video. I just had a concert it went well but i noticed that my shoulders and lips were hurting a lot because I had a lot of tension. So this video really helped me understand how to fix my tension so thank you.
You're so welcome! Awareness can go a long way.
Very useful video. My problem starts when I breathe in before playing, I can feel my chest tighten.
Alan Langley I’m glad the videos are helping you. Let relaxation in the abdominal region be your breath in. A lot of times we can over breathe and put stale air on top of what’s already there and that can lead to tension. In my video “A little R&R” I cover that topic!
Hi Dion .... many thanks for some fabulous videos. They are really hitting the spot :-) ... keep up the great work
Thank you! It’s my pleasure to share the knowledge, I’ll keep the videos flowing!
Selfnote: 3:30
Nice video, Thanks for the information, Greetings from Panamá👋🏽
jose Galvez glad you enjoyed the video. I will be sharing many more, stay tuned!
Awesome! Great teaching; a million thanks!
I’m glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching!
Great video, tension is definitely something I need to be more aware of. Can be much easier playing when you are completely relaxed, and not over thinking.
I agree with you. Relaxation can be a small thought that leads to big results!
Great video sir. i will try our ideas.
I hope the tips are helpful to you in your journey. Thanks for checking out the content!
This is soooo great! Thank you!
It’s my pleasure to share. I’m glad you found the information useful!
@@TheChopsShop , i play the trumpet and started to play euphonium in a big band. Having the chance to implement all of your and Greg Spence Information, not using my primary instrument took away a lot of pressure and made it easier to create new, relaxed pathways. Therefore: thank you for sharing!
@@MrLawngesugardick That's awesome! You made the connection between the different instruments and let your body take care of the rest. It's so easy to overdo it.
I don't know if my experience is unique, but when I play (euphonium player btw), my embouchure tenses up, if I'm moving air its tense, the only time it doesn't happen is when I play in the lower register. I assumed this issue would be more easily resolved after a recent dental surgery, but the issue persisted and I'm running out of options. There are times where I get it under control for a second or two and then I lose it and it cuts my range down severely. I do apologize if asking for personalized advice in a comment section!
Very helpful video. I had some of the tension spots, will be trying the exercises. Thank you
Marco gonzalez let me know if those exercises help. Take your time on each one and start observing what your body is doing.
@@TheChopsShop yes sir will start doing them starting today. Dion Tucker thank u for sharing this knowledge
🙌
Max Farber what’s up! I hope you’re doing well.
Doing great man. Great videos. Hope you’re well too. 😃
🎉
Hello.
I'm a trumpeter.
I can't manage to place the mouthpiece without wetting my lips with my tongue before playing. The mouthpiece sticks to my lips. It's kind of sticky and won't let me put the nozzle in place. Every time I place it when sticking it can't be placed. Sticky mouthpiece and lips too. I don't know how to solve this. I do not get it. Thank you very much and congratulations for your videos help a lot. greetings.
I am from Spain and I do not know if my English will be understood well, which I do with google translator. Thank you.
Your English is perfect. Thank you for your comment. It’s all about the sequence of events. You’re not the only person that has to wet their lips before you play. My suggestion would be to wet you lips before you start to bring the horn towards your face. Practice bringing the horn to your face, let the mouthpiece touch your lips (don’t play a note) then bring it back down. Let your body learn how to not react when you bring the metal to your face.
I always get tension when I am about to play a high note but I think it’a because I am nervous
Our nerves play a huge part in the signals that get sent to our muscles. Know that if fear creeps into our mind, that will effect our breathing. When we are tense, the air can’t flow without restrictions making playing in any register more difficult. Playing high is more about letting it happen then trying to make it happen.
Does having neck and face tension cause a brass player to run sharp?
It could effect the pitch because tension will effect our airstream. The airstream is directly related to the resonance of the instrument. The more freedom in the resonance, the more consistent the pitch will be respectively.
This might sound weird but my jaw “locks up” whenever I am about to play (and almost every other second in life) and I have to pop the air in it (what feels like air) like a joint. It is extremely hard to play well when it is locked since I cant open my jaw as far to blow more air in my horn. On rare occasions it locks completely and I can’t close it for a minute or so. This is very weird since I am only 16, it’s been happening for 2 years (have played for 5) and I honestly don’t know what to do about it. Do you know anything about jaw exercises that might help this? I play trombone and euphonium. Thanks!
Sorry to hear that you are dealing with this issue. I don't have any specific jaw exercises I practice besides saying my vowels before I play. A,E,I,O,U will help loosen up the jaw muscles in general. I learned that from actors.
I sometimes notice tension in my throat. Especially when doing 2 octave scales with no tongue. Not sure what the cause is. I wonder if I am not making the required vowel adjustments according to register.
Mark Rosenberg as we ascend the registers it’s important to remember we don’t need to “blow” more air. The air does need to move faster but the quantity should not change much. I would suggest not thinking about any shape within your oral cavity and focus on letting the air release from the body. Our bodies are really good at adjusting without us overthinking things. Hear the note you are going for and let the body match the intent. Above all stay relaxed. I hope this helps!