Tone: Use an open vowel shape “Oh” and link singing voice to euphonium voice Listening to great players
Flexibility: SLOW MOTION SLURS (lip bends) - bend the note until it breaks to the next partial and use a healthy supply of air. No “slotting”
Vibrato: Use as an intensifier (similar to dynamics) with two variables 1. wide vs narrow/none 2. fast vs slow/none
Articulation: The tongue simply releases/interrupts the air. Think up and down not back and forth, just the tip of the tongue. Syllables: 1. Hard = Tah/Toh 2. Soft = Dah/Doh
Hint: try alternating between tah and dah when playing repeated notes on vocal transcriptions to imitate the text. You may need to look up the words and apply soft/hard syllables as needed.
High Range Development: Fast air, firm corners, small hole (aperture) Use vibrato to relax aperture and develop a larger sound. Practice: 1. Slow motion slurs that gradually extend into the upper register 2. Two to three octave scales 3. Tonguing exercises that extend into the high range
Intonation: Practice with a tuner = Listen and Check (do not train your eyes!) Practice with a drone = Listen, Match, and Memorize