Concepts of Technique

Treble clef euphonium version INTRODUCTION This book is built on the acceptance of two basic principles, muscle memory and the concept of delineation. This book will not deal with the mechanics and descriptions of how to make a "good" sound, it is merely designed to help the player work on the other components of technique. These etudes are not designed to be an "be all, end all" for practice. They are to be used as a part of a complete practice regime which should include a daily routine, style etudes, and performance materials. These etudes would most likely fall into someone's daily routine. These etudes and the accompanying philosophy surrounding them have been the basis for the development of technique in my studio, and I hope you can use them as well. MUSCLE MEMORY Everything we do as players depends upon the idea of muscle memory. Without it, we cannot begin to free our mind in order to "make" music; we simply cannot worry about all the different facets of technique and still develop our art to a high level. Muscle memory includes everything from how to breathe properly to what valves to push down, to tongue motion and rhythm. This book will not attempt to be a primer for all of these things, as there are very good books and videos on breathing, reading rhythms and so on. This book will primarily deal with the idea of playing with a very smooth, steady, non- pulsed air stream. Wind instruments cannot "sound" good without the performer utilizing a consistent air stream. We, as players, cannot slur, nor articulate correctly without having a truly great, smooth air stream. This point cannot be emphasized enough. The development of this concept in a practical way is dealt with through the concept of delineation. DELINEATION The term delineation is used here to describe separating the various components of technique and working on them individually. Technique can be broken down to four primary components: Articulation, Speed, Dynamic, and Range. If a player can work on each of these areas separately, then typically technical progress can be made at a quicker pace.