Part I- Articulation
Recently I have been transcribing vocal solos into trumpet solos. In doing this, one difference in presentations that I have noticed is the difference in articulation between the two mediums.
Vocalists connect each note where as many less proficient trumpet players leave spaces between each note.
As an example sing the well known song “Happy Birthday” and notice the smooth transition between each word and pitch change. The air is moving constantly as the singers enunciation of each word and syllable changes. Now play the same song on your instrument and notice the stop and go pattern of your air.
Concentrate on the air flow again as you repeat singing the song. Notice the change in the air flow when you sing “to” in the phrase “happy birthday to you”. The first two words have little change in the air flow because the syllables are enunciated through the use of the lips. The word “day” has a slightly different air flow because of the tongues involvement as it brushes the roof of your mouth. But now compare the air flow change as you sing “to” which duplicates the trumpet articulation most players use. Comparing your singing version to your trumpet playing version should illustrate one of the problems we face as trumpet players when trying to duplicate a more vocal style of playing on our chosen instrument.
So, now that we know there is a difference between singers and trumpet players, what can we do to minimize that difference. It’s easy….connect your notes more with less explosion of the air when articulating each note.
By replacing the “Tah” articulation with a “Dah” articulation will greatly improve the difference. If the “Tah” attack is replaced with a “Lah” attack, it is improved even more.
If this is the case, why do we still teach beginning students to start a note with the syllable “Tah”? This is also easy to explain. Beginning players are more apt to get their lips buzzing with the
explosive rush of air if they apply a “Tah” attack. Even the word “attack” should be banned from brass instructors vocabulary for its true meaning is too aggressive for producing a beautiful, musical note. How many times have you heard or even used the phrase “Play your note with a sharp, clean “attack” as if we are storming the beaches at Normandy.
To appreciate the beauty of quality singing, visit some of the vocal performances offered on YouTube for if we can appreciate the vocal refinements of accomplished vocalists, we can quickly apply their ability to soften and diminish the space between and the enunciation of words and syllables which in turn will soften and connect each of our notes when performing.
Examples o connected and smooth articulation of each note-
Vocal rendition
Instrumental rendition
