Floppy Lip

[mikelyons]

We used to have an Arban, not sure who has it now, but long tones are probably the way to go for now.
Thank you all you've all done very well.

You can download it free as a pdf here. You forgot to mention your pièce de resistance - but perhaps that is just as well. Jim probably wouldn't understand it! http://imslp.org/wiki/Method_for_the_Cornet_(Arban,_Jean-Baptiste)

 

[DocFox]

Jim probably wouldn't understand it!

You're right, I don't.

 

[mikelyons]

Trust me, Jim, you don't want to. BMB in full swing is a sight for sore eyes - causing them!

 

[Jack E]

Trust me, Jim, you don't want to. BMB in full swing is a sight for sore eyes - causing them!

The mind boggles . . .

 

[GordonH]

One thing to consider is "bridging exercises" which consist of playing long notes like F, G, G#, A at the top of the stave for eight or twelve beats starting very quitely, building up to a forte and then gradually back down to a pp. This promotes control and makes it easier to get from the lower to the upper register. My own routine involves lip slurring and flexibility exercises followed by technical exercises, hymn tunes then any repertoire I am working on. I practice for 30-45 minutes per day on every day I do not have a rehearsal. I allow myself one day off per week, if I need it, usually the day after an especially heavy blow.

 

[Repman]

This is very helpful advice. I haven't been doing much long tone work in my first 6 months back after nearly 30 years, I'll have to work some in. I have been doing 20-30 mins daily, and stamina in the upper register is returning, tempted to look for a new mouthpiece, as still have my childhood one from and old Boosey & Hawkes cornet.

 

[midnight_euph]

Grand to hear of a return. Yep, like any muscles your lip will hate you every time you improve. You wouldn't't worry about your abs screaming after a good workout, your lip will do the same. It will be worth it. Have FUN

 

[DocFox]

One thing to consider is "bridging exercises" which consist of playing long notes like F, G, G#, A at the top of the stave for eight or twelve beats starting very quitely, building up to a forte and then gradually back down to a pp.

Since reading your suggestion, I tried it in my own practice sessions. I found out just how out-of -shape I am. I get "nerve end tingles" from my diabetes after every practice session. A very funny sensation. But I keep working on your suggestion. It was and is a good exercise to add to any practice session. And I do believe if you teach, one to teach your students.

 

[midnight_euph]

I'm afraid I've always cheated and play hymns at every dynamic and every octave I can manage (on euph we have several we must master for modern composers). Then again I also do an exercise I devised where every quaver is a different dynamic. Works the diaphragm too (whimper)