Coanda Effect and Flute Playing

Greetings,

In his NYC masterclass today, Keith Underwood spoke of the Coanda Effect and Flute Playing--how the position and angle of the tongue in the mouth directly effects the speed and direction of air as it leaves the mouth and enters the flute.

This video clearly demonstrates this law of physics.

Notice, also, that when the flow of water is very strong, the water direction becomes less distinct (more diffuse).

Best,
Catherine

Jerome Callet Master Superchops DVD

Greetings,

I have just finished watching (for the second time) the new 2-DVD set by Jerome Callet, advocate of the tongue-controlled embouchure and author of " Trumpet Secrets, Volume One."


The DVDs include

• 3 lessons with Jerome
• 6 testimonials, demonstrations, and round table discussion by professionals on trumpet, trombone, French horn and flute (Keith Underwood)
• printouts of images, exercises, and more

It is very interesting to see and hear how each professional has used the information learned from Jerome.

For more information, or to purchase your own copy, visit Jerome's website.

Best,
Catherine

Aralee Dorough, Principal Flutist of the Houston Symphony Speaks on Buzzing, Chopstick and Finding your Sound

Greetings,

The following video interview was recorded in the Houston studio of Aralee Dorough, Principal Flutist of the Houston Symphony, on September 22, 2007.
Aralee talks about:

• benefits of practicing and teaching "buzzing" and "chopstick" (from Keith Underwood)
• embouchure lessons she learned from Robert Willoughby --and from her horse!
• finding and sculpting your tone

Many thanks to Aralee for sharing her experiences and her wisdom. You may visit her at her website, www.araleedorough.com.

Aralee, her husband, Colin (Houston Symphony oboist), and her father (famous jazz pianist,Bob Dorough), recently put out a CD, "The Houston Branch," with terrific Houston jazz sidemen. I enjoy this album often. You will find it here:

• http://cdbaby.com/cd/dorough
• iTunes (search for "Houston Branch")

All the best,
Catherine

Link for Keith Underwood Ghost Ranch Interviews on Buzzing, etc.

Greetings,

Many of you have been asking how to easily access all of the Keith Underwood Interview postings on this blog. You can find them by clicking on the label "Ghost Ranch" in the right column or by going to this url:

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/search/label/Ghost%20Ranch

Thanks for your interest and I hope you find this information very useful!

All the best,
Catherine

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 9

Here is Part 9 of the August 18, 2007 Ghost Ranch Interview.

On Ideal Vibrato Speed



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

If you have found these posts interesting, I invite you to subscribe to this blog. Posts in the near future include interview segments with Aralee Dorough, Principal Flutist of the Houston Symphony.

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

Best,
Catherine

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 8

Hello,

I have just returned from the Keith Underwood/Anne Waxman Workshop in Tannersville, NY. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Keith, Anne (fabulous Alexander Technique teacher) and my fellow attendees. What a wonderful group of people and terrific flutists!

This is the ideal time to post Part 8 of the August 18, 2007 Ghost Ranch Interview:

On Creating an Open and Supportive Atmosphere

Next week I will post Part 9: On Ideal Vibrato Speed

For more information on the Alexander Technique and its benefits you may visit these sites:

http://alexandertechnique.com
http://www.alexandercenter.com/
http://www.stat.org.uk/

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.

If you find these posts interesting, I invite you to subscribe to this blog. Several readers asked if there is a charge for this blog. No, this public blog is free. Subscribe by clicking on "Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)" at the end of the blog scroll.

To search for more posts relating to a specific topic, such as "Ghost Ranch" or "interview", click on the label by that name in the right column of the blog.

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

Best,
Catherine

"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

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 4

"Please provide a Buzzing 101: Syllabus…"

Here is the fourth installment of the interview.

Additional segments coming in September and October:

• More Buzzing Exercises, Lip Vibrato, and Tuning
• 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 receive future interview segments short enough to post here. Longer segments will be posted at my website and I will announce the postings in this blog.

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

Sincere best wishes to my readers,
Catherine

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 3

"What if our lips get numb?"


Here is the third installment of the interview!

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 receive future interview segments short enough to post here. Longer segments will be posted at my website and I will announce the postings in this blog.

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

Sincere best wishes to my readers,
Catherine

Interview with Keith Underwood, Part 2

"When will we hear improvement from buzzing?"

Here is the second installment of the interview!

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 receive future interview segments short enough to post here. Longer segments will be posted at my website and I will announce the postings in this blog.

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

Sincere best wishes to my readers,
Catherine

Video interview with Keith Underwood: Benefits of Buzzing for Flutists

Greetings!

I have just returned to North Carolina from the Keith Underwood Flute Masterclass at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, a week filled with tangible learning in an open, warm, and supportive atmosphere. Thanks to Nancy Laupheimer for organizing a great class, and thanks to my classmates for sharing their learning processes.

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 a video interview with Keith filmed on August 18, 2007 at Ghost Ranch.

I have posted the first installment of the video interview here.
All segments will eventually be posted at my website.

Catherine LeGrand interviews Keith Underwood
Ghost Ranch, NM, August 18. 2007:

• On Benefits of Buzzing for Flutists
• When will we hear improvement from buzzing?
• What if our lips get numb?
• Please provide a Buzzing 101: Syllabus…


Additional segments coming in September and October!

Catherine LeGrand interviews Keith Underwood
Ghost Ranch, NM, August 18. 2007 (continued):

• More Buzzing Exercises, Lip Vibrato, and Tuning
• 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 invite you to subscribe to this blog to receive notice of future postings of interview segments.

Thank you, Keith, for answering my questions in this interview -- and throughout the years!

Sincere best wishes to my readers,
Catherine

Coming Attractions!

Coming in late August!

At www.catherinelegrand.com:

Video interview and tips from Keith Underwood!

For Virtual Studio Subscribers:

“Miss America Exercise”
“Fingers Ahead Exercise”
New additions to the Flutorials™series
From the Start: Step-by step videos to assist band directors in beginning flute classes

...and more!

Flute Embouchure: A Rather “Square” Subject

For many years I have taught that a good flute embouchure has 4 corners: 2 corners by the upper cheekbones, one by each nostril, and, the 2 corners on the chin, below the lower lip. The location of these muscles forms a square on your face.

The exercise I call “Tongue Sandwich,” activates the Levator labii superioris (Rabbit Face muscle) and Depressor labii inferioris (Lizard face” muscle) at the same time, drawing the lips away from the tongue and encouraging an active embouchure without jaw tension.

Think of your upper and lower teeth as the pieces of bread for your sandwich and the tongue as the very generous serving of your favorite sandwich filling.

(See Dataface website, mentioned in a May post, for illustrations, descriptions and video of these muscles at work.)
http://face-and-emotion.com/dataface/expression/muscles.jsp

I have posted a video of the “Lizard Face” and “Tongue Sandwich” exercises in the LeGrand Virtual Studio for your information and amusement. “Rabbit Face” Exercise video can also be found there.

Here is a Blogger Beta trial of an embedded video. Let me know how this works.


Good Tongue-Controlled Embouchure spit-buzzing technique, as advocated by Jerome Callet and Keith Underwood, creates a rather “boxy” feel in the embouchure—a "box " INSIDE the “square,” creating an active, yet flexible, embouchure.

Spit-buzzing encourages the use of the orbicularis oris muscle (the ring of muscle around the lips) to engage by curling gently inward creating compression of air with the wide, forward tongue.

This is also a type of “sandwich.” Try thinking of it as 3 layers of Tootsie Rolls:

• Top layer: upper lip curling downward (feel with your tongue the thick tube-like band of muscles on the inside of your upper lip).
• The middle layer--the forward, thickened and widened tongue with downward trajectory.
• The lower layer—lower lip raised slightly by the mentalis muscle and curled slightly back over the tongue to support the tongue position.

I hope these ideas are useful.

Hmmm…all this talk of sandwiches...Time for lunch!

Catherine

Keith Underwood and Jerome Callet video

This video of Keith working on Bach Sonata in B Minor, BWV 1030, with tongue-controlled embouchure expert Jerome Callet. The focus of the session is articulating off the top of the tongue.

It appears that Jerome uploaded this to Google video.

Please visit Jerome's website for more information on his teaching and more previews from his soon to be released teaching DVD.

Great stuff!

Catherine

Barnstable Buzzing with Keith Underwood

May 19, 2007

West Parish Church in Barnstable, MA

I got the feel of it at last! The approving look of Keith Underwood!

Wonderful buzzing classes with Keith on Cape Cod May 18-20.
Video excepts of my classes are posted in the LeGrand Virtual Studio.

More soon.

Catherine