Robert: |
I am using my own modification of the roll in/roll out method. I have always had a good low register down to the pedal c on the B flat horn, but have had to work hard to play extreme the upper register and have endurance. I have extended my upper register with my version of the roll in technique to a consistent High B flat so that I can get those places in the Strauss that I have always feared. I started my instrumental career as a trumpet player and had to make a traumatic change to horn in college because of embouchure issues. I still enjoy playing out of the Arban book as I teach my twelve year old grandson to play trumpet. Transposing to play out of his books has also made me hustle.
Again, thanks for my renewed interest in horn playing at the ripe old age of 77.
Valerie:
Robert, Thanks for contact me again. Sound like you're making solid progress. You are doing EXACTLY what you are supposed to do.... you are adapting the BE instructions to what works for you! You're fiddling around with it. I'm tickled to hear this. That's how we develop. this means you aren't getting hung up on details that could hold you back. Bravo!!! You may find later, even a year or more later, that you have developed more flexibility and technique and may be able to do the exercises exactly as Jeff describes them, but please don't fret about that now. I didn't "get it" all at first, so I did my own thing as best I could like you. With time was was able to more closely emulate Jeff Smiley's instructions and the improvements were solid.
Robert: Although I don't follow the technique exactly, my high range and endurance have improved. Maybe if I followed the book better and practice more I would see even more improvement. But, at the ripe of age of 77, my inspiration to practice is a bit inconsistent to say the least. I can now get through the Strauss without getting panicky over the high B flats and that is something I have sought for many years. Many thanks.
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Valerie:
Robert, Thanks for contact me again. Sound like you're making solid progress. You are doing EXACTLY what you are supposed to do.... you are adapting the BE instructions to what works for you! You're fiddling around with it. I'm tickled to hear this. That's how we develop. this means you aren't getting hung up on details that could hold you back. Bravo!!! You may find later, even a year or more later, that you have developed more flexibility and technique and may be able to do the exercises exactly as Jeff describes them, but please don't fret about that now. I didn't "get it" all at first, so I did my own thing as best I could like you. With time was was able to more closely emulate Jeff Smiley's instructions and the improvements were solid.
Robert: Although I don't follow the technique exactly, my high range and endurance have improved. Maybe if I followed the book better and practice more I would see even more improvement. But, at the ripe of age of 77, my inspiration to practice is a bit inconsistent to say the least. I can now get through the Strauss without getting panicky over the high B flats and that is something I have sought for many years. Many thanks.
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To Order The Balanced Embouchure book:
Step 1. Email me: ValerieW78 “at” Gmail “dot” com. Please tell me what instrument you play and the country you live in.
Step 2. I send you an invoice with payment options (credit card, PayPal, check or money order).
Step 3. You pay the invoice.
Step 4. I ship your BE book.
Happy horn playing!
Valerie Wells 
