Practice Materials, Exercises etc.

Development Log - modeled after the one created by Tom Ervin at the University of Arizona
 

There are many fine books of Warm-Ups and Daily Routines.  These exercises are not meant to replace those.  In fact many are taken directly from them - I've tried to give credit where due.  These exercises are ones that I have found particularly useful with students and in my own playing.  Use them in conjunction to the above development log if you wish.

Warm-Up - a sampling of exercises meant to be a short preparation for further practice/performance.  Please do not confuse the warm-up with what many call a Daily Routine.  I separate the two concepts in my practice.  Also, these exercises should not be considered to be carved in stone.  But do notice the thought that went into the ordering - see how it works for you for a few weeks - your results may vary.  Change/evolve as necessary.

Long Tones

Tone Placement/Articulation

Lip Slurs - Again, there are many fine books that contain numerous lip slur exercises.  The examples I've chosen here probably can be found in other places as well.

I separate lip slur tunes into 2 big categories: 1) slurs that move through partials, slow and fast, and 2) slurs that alternate between partials.  Try to do some of both everyday.  You'll notice many of these patterns have an a, b or c version.  You can play the "a" pattern in all positions, then the "b" pattern in all positions, then "c"; or play "abc patterns" in first postion, "abc" in second position etc. (from an idea by Robert Gray).  Also, please make up your own, new patterns - keep it interesting.

Legato

Excerpt Preparation - Some exercises to help prepare orchestral excerpts for auditions or performance.

     Ravel - Bolero 1
    Ravel - Bolero 2
    Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries
    Berlioz - Hungarian March
   


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