Improving Range

[thomas9tran]

So I'm trying to play two octave scales but i can only play a high F without having extreme tension. What are some ways to improve your range? I play the Baritone/Euphonium/Trombone.

[KingMattIV]

Check out "The Brass Gym" by Pat Sheridan and Sam Palafian.

Theres a few things you need to keep in mind when playing in the high register:

1.) Relax! The more you press the horn to your face, the harder it will be to play high.

2.) Don't be afraid to use air. As you move higher on the horn, the FASTER the air must become to support the sound you're trying to produce. Don't play more or play harder, just think about faster air.

3.) Hear what you are trying to play. If you're playing a scale up to a note, sing the scale and then play it. If you're playing a lip slur, sing the lip slur and then play it. When your ear and your air combine in the right way, you will have access to the entire range that the horn is capable of.

Hope that helps,

Matt W.

[bdeuph]

I made this for my private students (9th grade) to start building good range control and accuracy. Hope this is helpful!

This exercise is really helpful if you use a tuner and at a slow speed with a focus on returning back to the low Bb or pedal Bb to loosen the embouchure and regain control.
***Remember to make sure that while you are playing in the higher register that you feel relaxed and in control just like you did on the first note.

[seanrj]

My trumpet teacher, Roy Poper, always told me, "To go up, you must go down."

Practice the low and induced tones, all the way down to the pedal. Learn to open up and support with the air in the low range. Also, work on bending pitches flat.

If you are too tight, you cannot go as high. Do it with air, not lip tension.

Adapt Stamp exercises to your instrument. Stamp is the answer. Always.

[Hostrauser]

My trumpet teacher, Roy Poper, always told me, "To go up, you must go down."

Practice the low and induced tones, all the way down to the pedal. Learn to open up and support with the air in the low range. Also, work on bending pitches flat.

If you are too tight, you cannot go as high. Do it with air, not lip tension.

IMO, this is gospel for EVERY brass instrument. My tuba and euphonium instructors taught me the same thing.