Scale and Articulation Exercises

Long Tone and Tuning Exercises | Flexibility and Tuning Exercises | Scale and Articulation Exercises |

Articulation Exercises

Scales

• Play the 'Scale du Jour', two/three times in a row, in one breath, with a crescendo to the high register, all slurred. Do not diminuendo too soon on the descent. The goal is a legato, flexible line, which balances the volume between the registers.

• Play 'Scale du Jour' using the following rhythmic patterns. Make up new patterns that lengthen different notes in the scale. Play as fast as possible without tension in the fingers or tongue.

• Play the 'Scale du Jour' with one of these four articulations patterns, working on ease of articulation and eveness. Play as fast as possible without tension in the fingers or tongue.

Articulation and Rhythm

• Articulate five D4s (and C#4s) softly in a row quickly with the metronome. Figure out how to do it without squawking playing as fast as possible.

• Using the Scale du Jour', one octave, ascending and descending, articulate 5 16th notes on each note as fast as possible (mm=112-132+). Next, articulate 9 16th notes on each note as fast as possible while keeping the articulation light and the tongue movement easy. Also try 5 notes in scale patterns going up from each note of the scale. Try articulating repeating and scalar triplets as fast as possible.

• Play the 'Scale du Jour' using the rhythmic pattern below as fast as possible with an free articulation and accurate rhythm (from John Gillette).