Lip Slurs

Playing lip slurs is a wonderful way to begin your warmup. In this series of videos, simply listen to me and then repeat back! I’ll also be on the corner of your screen to conduct and to give cues.

When you play-

•Sometimes, try not to start with buzzing, but instead just blow air through the horn. Take one breath and blow in 1st position. Take another breath and blow in 2nd position. Repeat this through 7th (6th or 5th if your arm is still growing.)

•Keep the back of your throat as open as possible. Rest your tongue on the bottom of your mouth and don’t think about it! If it’s completely relaxed, the middle part will naturally rise a bit in your mouth as the air moves faster. This is a good thing and will help the higher notes come out.

•Start with slow air and, while keeping the opening the same, increase the airspeed for each note.

• START WITH LIP SLUR #1 AND MOVE ON ONLY WHEN YOU CAN PLAY IT WITHOUT STRAINING YOURSELF!

•Beginning with Lip Slur #2, you will see me make small adjustments to the slide position for some of the higher notes. This is to help play in tune. A lesson about this will be shared soon!

•Finally, I’m using a metronome (80 clicks per minute) and a drone to help keep a steady tempo and to assist in hearing the in-tune notes. There is a free metronome and drone on the Tools of the Trade page of this website.