rwcarson11:

Thanks for your reply and your confidence. I have taken Greg’s methods to heart. I have spent hours really really trying to figure out how to slur and increase pitch without increasing breath support. It takes me a while sometimes to get it truly minimized/eliminated. I have found that it seems to be a different thing, from doing this very slowly, to when you’re are going fast. When going really slow, whole notes, I found the only way to COMPLETELY STOP all kicking of the abs is to really firm up the sides of the cheeks into what I describe as a ‘fish-face’ type shape, Where the lips are more spread in vertical direction than horizontal, and hold everything firmly this way. This is kind of extreme and I don’t think it’s right, what do you think?

The bottom lip coming in just happens ‘naturally’ to me previously I guess, I wasn’t aware of it until I started doing WW. I’ve found that he mentions a few things about it, aiming the airstream up when ascending seems to be a useful concept. It is a major adjustment, my tone and everything drop off when I try to actively counter doing it although I’m improving quickly at the exercises.

Sometimes I test my range and the ease of it briefly. Like everyone does most likely. I try to slur up higher a few times quietly using only passive support and aperture corners. And I get to a G on top of the staff and above it get raspy tone and can’t play higher. I don’t do this much but I will stop for now as I have developed some faith in the Author and his Process.

Thanks,
-Steve

Phew!!! Thanks Steve! The process works and having a peek at the higher register is totally cool of course but you must forget about producing a perfect tone from the get go; I know you know this. Just stick to PROCESS in the lower register and find purity of tone using the 1% Rule and eventually, and it takes time, you will begin to be able extend and more importantly recognise when negative tension kicks in. Cheers, Greg”