Embouchure
- Develop an appropriate and functional embouchure suitable for the particular instrument, with relaxed lips supported by the corners of the mouth:
- gradually strengthening their embouchure over an increasing range
- developing awareness of tongue shape in the mouth
- Slur notes with more ease and control
- Begin to develop flexibility to enable slurring across primary harmonics
Suggested range for Programme of Study 2:
Horns and tubas, in particular, should begin to explore notes below middle C.
Ask learners to buzz well-known tunes, e.g. TV themes, on the mouthpiece.
Encourage learners to buzz simple improvisations over a backing track, matching intonation.
Be aware of learners’ individual physical characteristics and make adaptations as appropriate.
Introduce short, simple pieces and exercises that include a wide range of notes.
Explain tongue position using various vowel sounds, e.g. ’ah’, ‘ee’.
Help learners to play patterns and pieces across a wider harmonic range, e.g. use open harmonics in call-and-response or echo games.
Slur G/D/G on first and third valves (sixth position), then work up the harmonic series. Use a mirror to review and discuss mouthpiece placement.
Horns should use the first three to four harmonics, starting on first and second valves.
Trombones should start in a position that can be reached comfortably.
Explore the progression of this Learning Objective
Continue exploring the current Programme of Study
