Posted by Gary Press on February 13, 2004 at 09:35:50:
In Reply to: Re: Low register dynamics posted by rochut on February 13, 2004 at 09:17:48:
Yes...Rochuts down 2 octaves are a key. This is something that Tommy Johnson stresses in his teaching. I think practice of this nature can help open up and relax the sound and has many range building properties.
As far as building on dynamic range, take 5-10 minutes at the end of each practice session to devote to this. Use a simple etude that does not extend much above B-flat or C in the staff and is mostly long notes (wholes, halves and quarters). Play a portion of this each day at a slow tempo, as broadly and connected as possible and at the loudest volume you can muster. Really push the sound past the point of good taste. By doing such an exercise in small dose each day, you will acquire the skills necessary to build extreme dynamic range. The only way to learn to play full at FF and beyond is to do it regularly. Don't expect instantaneous results. This is like any other part of playing. It requires a long-range plan.
Best of luck!