Articulation is a critical step in tone development that determines how notes are started and sustained.

 

A few pointers to keep in mind.

 

1. For woodwinds and brass each individual has a different place to form syllables and it should be done naturally and easily as a combination of syllables and air.

2. Using the syllable “Tu” or “To” is most commonly used where students will say the syllable first then duplicate this movement with their mouthpiece. For brass players, the jaw must remain open and the tongue must move freely.

3. For woodwind musicians, where the tongue strikes the reed after saying this syllable should strike just below the tip of the reed.

4. Look for students that will try to start and stop the notes with their air - this becomes problematic when they try to play notes quickly.

5. Articulation exercises are an excellent way to teach students to play rhythms together accurately and confidently.