Secrets to Improve Sight Reading Why are some people able to sight read much faster than others? Is it a natural occurrence or are there extenuating conditions which make some read much faster than others? To understand this inconsistency, we need to isolate the elements needed for rapid sight-reading. Elements involved with effective sight-reading- 1. Recognition of pitch 2. Recognition of rhythm When divided into these two elements the answer to why some people are able to sight-read faster than others is more apparent. We are all at the same level when recognizing pitches and eventually reacting with the correct…

Stiff Chops If you have been off your instrument for any length of time, stiff chops is not something you will be facing for extended rest periods will solve any stiff chop problems you might run into. Stiff or inflexible lip muscles are usually attributed to over practicing and under resting. The reason I included this condition when addressing “Getting Back In Shape” was to precaution you against practicing too much, too soon when gaining your strength and endurance. Too much practice will build chops and at the same time build stiffness which is something you should avoid at all…

Endurance- noun 1. the fact or power of enduring or bearing pain, hardships, etc. 2. the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina 3. lasting quality; duration 4. something endured, as a hardship; trial. Of the four definitions listed above, I prefer to use the second to define the word endurance in this particular case. Although some may experience pain and hardship, those people might be practicing in the wrong way to achieve their goal of better endurance. Endurance is simply training your muscles to gain strength which in turn increases…

Finger Flexibility Exercises Clean breaks between notes require fast and coordinated valve action and for that reason you should practice finger or valve exercises daily. I have included a few exercises which will help increase this area of your performance. Playing fast material will hide many fingering faults where slow material will quickly expose weaknesses. For that reason I have included two slow song “I Wonder As I Wander” and the lesser known “Humoreske”. A musician may have the best tone in the world and still be rated poorly for sloppy valve work and for that reason it is a…

Range Developing your high range is not something that you can substantially increase in three days but getting back to a “useable” range is possible. When I say a usable range I am speaking of notes up to and including high C which is the normal upper register for most of us when performing in church or normal concerts. Playing shows and lead parts in big bands do require more upper range playing but if you are expecting to be called for these jobs, you shouldn’t let yourself go in the first place. Increasing your upper register can be approached…

Notice the word “start”. To get back to your full potential after lying off an extended amount of time is something that will take more than three days but starting to get back in shape is where we all find ourselves from time to time. In most cases we are asked to perform a solo, play some hymns in church or play taps when we have not been conscientious in our regular practice habits and you may find this an effective way to get back your “usable chops” for these unexpected moments. Thoughtful and structured practice for three consecutive days…