"I have to say I'm LOVING your tone right now! Ready to have some more fun?! Below you will find a progressive set of exercises that you can apply your new knowledge of tone and intonation to. Our bassoon expert is here with us as well so you can listen to him play each exercise first, or even play along with him! Ready? Set? Let's gooooo!"
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First High Notes are E, D, C
*** You should recognize these notes from the high part of the F Major scale! Keep actively listening to your tone and intonation as you play. And speaking of intonation, if you recall your knowledge on bassoon pitch tendencies you will notice that the E you are playing can tend to sag and play naturally flat on the instrument. Keep this in mind as you are practicing this exercise and the two that follow. ***
Catching the Highest Moonlight
*** A phrase is a musical sentence. In this exercise, try to keep your air and sound going until you get to each rest. Then you will be playing 4-measure phrases! It may be a challenge at first, but through correct practice and repetition, it can be achieved! ***
Mary Had Just 3 High Notes
*** Mary has the same high notes you do! You may notice the little 'comma' at the end of the 4th measure. In music, this is known as a breath mark. In addition to long rests, breath marks show where to breath so that you don't interrupt the phrases. ***
First Low Notes are A, G, F
*** You should recognize these notes from the low part of the F Major scale! It's okay if these notes are harder to play than the high ones – remember that as your hands get used to the finger placement and stretch that is required, it will become easier and you will be successful! Again, keep actively listening to your tone and intonation as you play. ***
Catching the Lowest Moonlight
*** Just like when "catching the highest moonlight", try to keep your air and sound going until you get to each rest, allowing you to play 4-measure phrases. ***
Mary Had Just 3 Low Notes
*** Looks like Mary also has the same low notes you do! Don't forget to breathe at the breath mark, but not before then! ***
Mary's Reaching Higher Now
*** You will notice that the first 5 notes from the beginning method book are being used here. If you recall your knowledge on bassoon pitch tendencies, you will notice that you are playing B-flat and E-flat, which tend to be naturally sharp on the instrument, as well as F, which can tend to sag and play naturally flat on the instrument. Keep this in mind as you are practicing this exercise. Time to reach higher! ***
Holidays with ExTon!
*** Whew, this is going to be a workout! Some things to focus on with this longer exercise are the 4-measure phrases, the natural pitch tendencies of B-flat, E-flat (both sharp on the bassoon), and F (flat on the bassoon), and of course great tone! ***
Flying Along! ...
Wasn't that fun?! Well we're not done yet! Before we bring things back down to earth, there are some clips of master bassoonists for your Listening pleasure we would like to make available so you can continue to train your ear in the pursuit of the perfect tone!