Horn Instruments Articles write an article

 
Common Sense Basics of Brass Playing
A. Posture

Do’s

- Stand first, with the thought of becoming puppet-like, as though someone were pulling you up from a string; tall not tense
- When sitting remain tall (tallness aids in breathing, alertness, and getting the bell out of the stand)
  - Sit with feet flat on the floor

Don’t’s

            - Sit with legs crossed under chair (slouching posture)
            - Sit with legs extended (back against chair)
- Both inhibit tallness, alertness, and breathing
 B. Breathing (practice so it becomes second nature in form and amount)
1.      Use tools to aid in learning (Rebreather bag, Inspirometer, Breath Builder).
2.      Devise exercises that will apply to playing (different breaths/speed of breath).
3.      Think IN then OUT, no holding of air.
4.      Suck huge amounts of air with the lips.
5.      The inhalation directly effects the exhalation (SOUND!)
 C. Sound (it ain’t the speakers, it’s the CD player)
1.      Who inspires your model sound? Who do you listen to? How much do you listen?
2.      If your head is not flooded...