Jackson

Try to practice using our Parts of Practice model that I wrote out on your sheet. Every session should include: tone warmup, technique and repertoire. Each section should take about the same amount of time; see if you can challenge yourself with a timer. Start small, with each section taking 3 minutes, then work up the time a minute at a time, leaving a chance for free play and improvisation at the end of your timed practice.

This week:

  1. Practice longtones on D minor scale up to high A, then practice at 90 bpm on the metronome (technique)
  2. Work on the melody solo version of Pirates of the Carribean with a metronome (repertoire)

Continue:

  1. Register Switch Tone Warmup (Galper 68)
    • Practice with a tuner this week. I use an app called n-Track Tuner.
    • Use consistent air support as you cross the break, and aim to support the medium register with air support and high voicing so that it isn’t flat.
  2. Minuet (Repertoire – 21 in Galper Book). Remember to bring the book next week, please!
  3. Equinox (Repertoire)
    1. listen to John Coltrane’s version, including the improvisations after the melody: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m2HN2y0yV8
    2. Play melody along to this track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uo_Xmi-mdU
    3. After the melody, try improvising using the Dm arpeggio and scale. Use simple rhythms and try to lock in with the drums on the playalong recording.

Ryan

#1. Longtones:

  • ‘Voicing’ pg. 22-23. Make each pair of notes take a whole breath, and at the end of the note either do a tone matching exercise with the fingered pitch or abruptly lower your voicing to jump down to the fundamental note. If your jaw drops to facilitate the jump, that means you’re using tension instead of voicing to support the overtone; aim for minimal embouchure movement.

#2. Continue F minor scale (full range), arpeggios (ascending and descending), and pentatonic scale (full range). Work with a metronome at a comfortable tempo. Memorize for next week.

#3. Selected Studies etude:

  • Isolate starred bars with the metronome, focusing on articulation
  • Remember to go loud enough for the fortes!

#4. Continue Take Five:

  • Practice melody with metronome
  • Practice improvising to the track.
    • Use one idea from our practice per run-through: F minor arpeggios, F minor scale and F minor pentatonic scale. Which do you like the sound of best?

Listening for this week:

Getz/Gilberto album (Stan Getz – listen to the core of his sound!):