Luke asked me how to get the train fast and strong, Here are a few things I recently put together I found helpful for some of my folks. Any questions let me know!
Train: insights and observations
- The Nose- the nasal passages must be able to maintain the same breathing pattern as the mouth and at the same intensity and speed without any break in the groove.
- Phasing- we must be able to shift or phase the breath between the nose and mouth gradually or abruptly depending on the need or desire to do so without ever breaking the groove.
- Tonal/ mouth shapes- the mouth shape or tonal variation must be controlled and not random. Eventually it can be used for improvosation.
- Volume- dynamic fluctuations both gradual and abrupt must be completely controlled with proper breath support and must never ever break the groove.
- Throbbing- a gentle spasm or throbbing should take place between the throat and the diaphragm at top speeds.
- 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.”
- Speed fluctuating- we must focus on a smooth and gradual acceleration and deceleration. No rhythmic hitches or sudden bursts are the goal.
- 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.
- Breath- It must be even and consistent. We must control our breathing and not let it control us!
- 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.
- Rhythm difficulty- If you can walk with rhythm then you can breathe and play music with rhythm.
