6. Breath length- must be the same and consistent for both inhale and exhale. The exhale breath is only accented by playing it louder and with greater dynamics. This also helps keeps the level of breath at a low and relaxed place n the “breathing range.” 7. Speed fluctuating- we must focus on a smooth and gradual acceleration and deceleration. No rhythmic hitches or sudden bursts are the goal. 8. Dynamics/volume- playing louder at slow speeds (beginning and end) and getting quieter at faster speeds is critical. Envision the train leaving the station and going off into the distance, and then returning. Have huge dynamic shifts in your train depending on speed. 9. Breath- It must be even and consistent. We must control our breathing and not let it control us! 10. Gears- the 3 gears of the train must be used for mindful and controlled acceleration and deceleration. The body movements must be in sync with the breathing. A left/right sway is highly recommended. 11. Rhythm difficulty- If you can walk with rhythm then you can breathe and play music with rhythm.
I’ve been practicing this with a metronome for 5m nearly every single day, speed is coming, and the breath is really everything.
The demand this exercise puts on your breathing is second to none. Maintaining big tone while avoiding the asphyxiation reflex is the name of the game. And RELAXATION is key.
I’ve been watching myself do it in a mirror, or in selfie mode on a device to ensure that I’m not seeing any tension.
Regarding #9, when I’m pushing at faster tempos, ocassionally I’ll stop the guttural pulsing for a second with my hand on my belly, to ensure there isn’t any unnecessary tension in my diaphragm. If I’m understanding Filisko correctly, he’s saying the pulse all comes from the throat, and the diaphragm is just nice and smooth in and out. I often times find I’m trying to pulse with the diaphragm.
Regarding #10, for anyone reading this who might not be aware, these are the gears he’s referring to.
1st gear - Quarter notes. Each syllable gets one click on the metronome WHO who huh huh (who=exhale and huh=inhale.)
2nd gear - Eighth notes. Each breath direction gets one click on the metronome.
One click = WHO who
Next click = huh huh
3rd gear - 16th notes - The whole phrase happens each click.
Luke my belly is definitely moving when I’m pulsing but the focus is the throat for sure. A gentle cough is the way to go. So glad you are digging this stuff and working on it. I promise results fir anyone who takes it seriously … It’s a magical thing. The best investment in practice time. Not saying just work on train. Just always include it in your work.
I’ve done what you said tilted my head back ( although can’t keep it there too long due to an old neck injury) and I’ve managed to relax a bit more, also playing quieter, but I think I’ve hit a peak with this, I’m stuck at 130, so I’ll continue to work on it. I’m not doing any effects as yet just trying to get the train rythm right, I do however now find this an actual nightmare to play slow now so I might actually work on improving that it my drive my speed up a bit more.