Advanced Brass Techniques: Mastering Extended Playing Methods
This one’s for intermediate to advanced players who’ve got the basics locked in. Technical accuracy is only part of the picture at this level — the goal is genuine artistic control.
Extended techniques. Multiphonics — producing more than one pitch at once: start by sustaining a note while humming a different pitch underneath, a perfect fifth above is a good starting interval. Flutter tonguing — rolling your tongue while air passes through: practise on a mid-range note first, aim to hold it steady for four or five seconds. Circular breathing — continuous sound with no pause for breath, filling your cheeks and pushing that air out while breathing in through your nose: practise with a straw and a glass of water first.
Dynamic control. Work long tones with a built-in crescendo and decrescendo, then try exaggerating dynamic contrasts within actual passages and record yourself to hear whether it’s landing.
Articulation. Staccato — short, detached, crisp attack without an abrupt tongue stop; scales are a good vehicle. Legato — smooth, connected, no gaps, the air doing the connecting work. Marcato — a strong attack plus the note’s full value, finished with the tongue; common in jazz. Double/triple tonguing — “ta-ka” or “ta-ka-ta” for fast passages, slow with a metronome first.
Tempo and rhythm. Break complex rhythms into smaller chunks and use a metronome to lock them in; a programmable metronome that shifts tempo mid-exercise is a great tool for tempo changes.
Phrasing and musicality. Rubato pulls and pushes the tempo within a phrase while keeping the underlying pulse intact — check yourself against a metronome periodically. Shape phrases deliberately through dynamics, articulation and small tempo adjustments — that’s what turns technically correct playing into musical playing.
Instrument-specific notes. Trombone: nail synchronising slide movement with articulation, especially in legato. Tuba and bass trombone: lean on diaphragmatic breathing for the volume of air these instruments need, and focus on projecting rather than forcing.
Building it into your practice. Fold these into scales and arpeggios, gradually increasing tempo. Pick etudes that target what you’re working on, isolate hard bars for focused repetition, and don’t skip long tones — they’re still doing the quiet work of keeping your embouchure stable while you build everything else on top.
FAQ
What is multiphonics and how do I execute it?
Multiphonics produces multiple notes at once on a brass instrument. Play a single clear note, keep your embouchure stable, and try humming a different note at the same time — a perfect fifth above is usually the easiest interval to start with. Once that’s comfortable, experiment with other intervals.
How can I learn circular breathing?
Practice away from the instrument first: blow through a straw into a glass of water while filling your cheeks with air. When you need to inhale, use your cheeks to keep pushing air through the straw while taking a quick breath through your nose — the bubbles in the water should stay continuous. Once that feels natural, move it onto the instrument.
What’s the difference between legato and staccato articulation?
Legato connects notes smoothly with a flowing sound — use your air to link each note without noticeable breaks. Staccato does the opposite: emphasize the start of the note, then cut it off quickly for a short, detached, punctuated sound.
What is double and triple tonguing, and how do I improve it?
Double tonguing uses a “ta-ka” syllable pattern; triple tonguing uses “ta-ka-ta” or “ta-ta-ka” for even faster passages. Improve it by practicing slowly with a metronome, keeping the syllables clear and consistent as you gradually speed up. For softer, more lyrical articulation, try “da-ga” instead.
How can I widen my dynamic range?
Practice long tones at a moderate volume, then gradually build to fortissimo and back down to pianissimo while keeping the tone clear and consistent throughout. A slow crescendo/decrescendo over a single long tone is a great way to refine that control.
How do scales and arpeggios help my playing?
They strengthen your fingers, sharpen your intonation, and build overall technique. Layering in extended techniques — multiphonics, flutter tonguing, articulation variations — while you practice them adds even more control and proficiency.
What slide techniques matter most for trombone players?
Smooth, accurate slide transitions are essential. One key habit: start the slide movement slightly before you tongue the next note, especially in legato passages — that keeps the connection seamless and avoids any “bump” between notes.
What should tuba and bass trombone players focus on for breath control?
Diaphragmatic breathing, since these instruments need a large volume of air. Project the sound outward rather than forcing more air through — excess tension leads to fatigue and a strained tone. Regular long-tone exercises build this control over time.