"Chopsticks", "Buzzing," and improved finger dexterity

Hello,

I have found that practicing difficult passages after buzzing or with a chopstick in my mouth, not only helps my lips create better sounding notes and intervals, but also helps my embouchure remain stable and independent and my flute better balanced.

When I remove the chopstick, the difficult passages seem almost effortless, like my flute is floating. Since my embouchure is stable, I don't have to hold the flute to keep it from wiggling about due to migratory tongue or flopping lips.

See if it works for you. Let me know!
Catherine

Keith Underwood Ghost Ranch Interview Video List

Dear subscribers,

Here is the list of all nine of the Keith Underwood Ghost Ranch interview videos and their links on my public blog and the directions for finding my version of the “Chopsticks Exercise”.

I hope you find the list useful.
Catherine


What are the benefits of buzzing?

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/08/video-interview-with-keith-underwood.html


When will we hear improvement from buzzing?

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/08/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-2.html


What if our lips get numb?

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/08/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-3.html


Please provide a Buzzing 101: Syllabus…

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/08/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-4.html


More Buzzing Exercises, Lip Vibrato, and Tuning

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/09/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-5.html


Timing and Sequence of Events for a Breath

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/09/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-6.html


Tongue-controlled embouchure and Support

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/09/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-7.html


On Creating an Open and Supportive Atmosphere

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/10/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-8.html

On Ideal Vibrato Speed

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/10/interview-with-keith-underwood-part-9.html


LEGRAND VERSION OF CHOPSTICK EXERCISE:

Scroll down to see video on Chopsticks on lower right at:

http://www.catherinelegrand.com/

Or:

http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/09/chopstick-exercise-practice-bytes.html