"Chopstick Exercise": Practice "Bytes"

Hello,

As promised, this is my version of Keith Underwood's "Chopstick Exercise" which helps flutists learn to better organize their embouchures by playing with a chopstick in their mouths.

Very weird exercise, with wonderful results!

I use the exercise as a "prelude" to teaching buzzing, especially for advanced flutists who are beginner buzzers.

In the video I demonstrate the exercise in short Practice "Bytes."
More Practice "Bytes" are posted in the LeGrand Virtual Studio.

Bon appetit!
Catherine

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 7

Here is Part 7 of the August 18, 2007 Ghost Ranch Interview.

Tongue-Controlled Embouchure and Support

Additional segments of this interview coming in September and October:

• On Ideal Vibrato Speed
• On Creating an Open and Supportive Atmosphere

I am grateful for the information and inspirations I have received from Keith over the past 15 or so years, and I am delighted to share this video interview with Keith filmed on August 18, 2007 at Ghost Ranch, NM.

I invite you to subscribe to this blog to be the first to read future interview segments.

Thanks, Keith, for answering my questions, for this interview and throughout the years!

Best,
Catherine

Breathing Coordination Website: Carl Stough

Breathing Coordination - Home Page

This page provides 4 photos from the animated video Carl Stough developed after years of research. This animated video which shows the function of the diaphragm and associated movement of the ribs is highly recommended by Keith Underwood.

I suggest having a look at this website while working with the Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 6: Timing and Sequence of Events for a Breath. The website will help you visualize how the sequence of the Breath looks on the inside!


Here is a quote from the website:

"The concept of Breathing CoordinationTM was the result of ten years of medical research started in 1958 by Carl Stough and elaborated by Reece Stough in 1964 for advanced researchers in the international respiratory field. Every physical and emotional problem, to some degree, is the result of an insufficiency of oxygen. The diaphragm works to achieve a maximum exhale. This is necessary in order to maintain a low residual volume of carbon dioxide in the lungs. The diaphragm, which is a primarily involuntary muscle-organ, is the foundation for the entire respiratory system. It affects the two other main systems of the body, the circulatory and nervous systems. The term Breathing Coordination is the name given to the exact way the respiratory system is designed to function at maximum efficiency with minimum effort."

Another page gives information on self-help for developing good breathing coordination and specific help for people with asthma.

I have been told the video was withdrawn from the website pending the settlement of Stough's estate, but this page gets the idea across. If you know someone with a copy of this video, I encourage you to have a look. I certainly hope this great tool eventually reappears on the internet!

Best,
Catherine

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 6

Here is Part 6 of the August 18, 2007 Ghost Ranch Interview.

Timing and Sequence of Events for a Breath

Additional segments of this interview coming in September and October:

• Tongue-Controlled Embouchure and Support
• On Ideal Vibrato Speed
• On Creating an Open and Supportive Atmosphere

I am grateful for the information and inspirations I have received from Keith over the past 15 or so years, and I am delighted to share this video interview with Keith filmed on August 18, 2007 at Ghost Ranch, NM.

I invite you to subscribe to this blog to be the first to read future interview segments.

Thanks, Keith, for answering my questions, for this interview and throughout the years!

Best,
Catherine

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 5

More Buzzing Exercises, Lip Vibrato, and Tuning


Additional segments of this interview coming in September and October:

• Timing and Sequence of Events for a Breath
• Tongue-Controlled Embouchure and Support
• On Ideal Vibrato Speed
• On Creating an Open and Supportive Atmosphere

I am grateful for the information and inspirations I have received from Keith over the past 15 or so years, and I am delighted to share this video interview with Keith filmed on August 18, 2007 at Ghost Ranch, NM.

I invite you to subscribe to this blog to be the first to see future interview segments.

Thanks, Keith, for answering my questions, for this interview and throughout the years!

Happy Buzzing!
Catherine

New videos in the LeGrand Virtual Studio

I have just added the following video tutorials for LeGrand Virtual Studio subscribers:

"Fingers Ahead" Exercise

"Miss America" Exercise

In Flutorials™, “From the Start”, a new series (for teachers of beginning flutists):

Episode 1: Two Common Misconceptions about Flute-Playing

Headjoint: First Sounds

Adding the Tongue: “Hit” or “Hid” Inhale Exercise

Physical Orientation to the Flute
Part 1: Balancing and Assembling the Flute

Physical Orientation to the Flute
Part 2: Bringing the Flute to You and Playing “B”

Adding “A” and “G”

Party Favors 201: Embouchure

Here is an excerpt from the episode, Adding the Tongue: “Hit” or “Hid” Inhale Exercise, from the "From the Start" series.

Best,
Catherine

LeGrand Virtual Studio Group Subscriptions!

Now available (as requested):

An annual group subscription rate to the LeGrand Virtual Studio of only $25/per student is now available to the students of any subscriber (private studio instructors, classroom teachers, or ensemble conductors).

If you are a subscriber and wish for your students to have access to these resources, please contact me at groupsubscriptions@catherinelegrand.com for more information.

I hope you and your students will take advantage of this offer!

Catherine