Articulation
- Use the tongue to articulate notes while maintaining a controlled column of air:
- using an appropriate tongue position for the instrument
- coordinating tongue with fingers
- developing clarity of sound
Demonstrate to learners how to set up a continuous stream of air. Ask them to start a long note, then separate with the tongue.
Tonguing is releasing sound rather than pushing it out.
Without instrument:
- Use copycat games to focus on articulation, e.g. passing different consonants around a group – Morse Code.
With instrument:
- Ask learners to play on one note initially, gradually adding more notes to develop coordination.
As the mechanics of tonguing occur out of sight within the mouth, explain carefully what happens with the tongue so that learners understand what is required.
As always, be aware of learners’ individual physical characteristics and make adaptations as appropriate. The shape of the tongue and mouth cavity varies from person to person.
Encourage learners to play simple tunes using tongued and slurred articulation.
Slurs are long notes with moving fingers. Good slurring is achieved with neat finger movements.
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