Originally Posted by
ChrisH
Hello all!
Throughout my time playing euphonium, I've always modeled my tone and playing after American players - Demondrae Thurman and various military band soloists, to be precise. Some tubists and horn players also contributed in my low and high ranges, and I've built what I feel to be a characteristic sound on my horn. However, it's been brought to my attention that I tend to play with a very "shallow" vibrato; where a lot of American euphoniumists tend to play with a pretty deep vibrato. Considering I'm pursuing a career in euphonium playing here in the states, and not in Europe, that might be something I should fix, or at least learn how to use the more American style of vibrato.
My professor attempted to explain it to me today in a lesson, and while I understand the sound I'm going for and how I'm supposed to be achieving that sound, there's a disconnect between my brain and my face. I understand that I need a deeper, slightly slower and darker vibrato, and I need to practice some lip bends and control in order to get that. However, I'm having a lot of trouble actually achieving that particular technique, and find myself reverting back to a rapid, bright vibrato almost immediately when trying to apply it to a solo piece.
Anyone have any tips on how to practice this new skill, and how to break old habits of vibrating the way I'm so very used to doing?