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Extended Techniques for Woodwinds
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Multiphonics
A technique where a player produces multiple pitches simultaneously by carefully fingering and voicing. Example: On the saxophone, playing a low Bb while voicing a higher pitch can result in multiphonics.
Circular Breathing
A technique that lets players sustain notes without interruption by breathing in through the nose while simultaneously pushing air from the mouth into the instrument using the cheeks. Example: A didgeridoo player sustains a drone for a long time using circular breathing.
Flutter Tonguing
A technique where the tongue quickly flutters or rolls during playing, creating a rapid 'Frr' effect. Example: Flute players may flutter tongue in contemporary pieces to add an edge to the sound.
Double Tonguing
A technique that alternates tongue movements between 'tu' and 'ku' syllables to play fast passages. Example: Clarinetists use double tonguing to play fast sections in orchestral music.
Slap Tonguing
A technique where the reed of a woodwind instrument is slapped against the mouthpiece by creating a vacuum with the tongue. Example: Saxophone players can use slap tonguing for percussive effects in jazz solos.
Growling
A technique where the player hums or growls while playing, producing a gritty, raspy sound. Example: Growling is commonly used by jazz saxophonists to add intensity to a solo.
Glissando
A continuous slide upwards or downwards between two notes. Example: Clarinetists might play a glissando to connect two distant notes in a jazz or klezmer style.
Key Clicks
A percussive effect produced by tapping the keys of the instrument without actually blowing into it. Example: A flautist may use key clicks in a contemporary piece to add rhythm without pitch.
Singing and Playing
Simultaneously singing and playing a wind instrument to create a chorus effect. Example: A flutist may sing while playing to create a dual texture of voice and flute.
Altissimo
Producing extremely high notes that are above the instrument's standard range through special fingerings and embouchure adjustments. Example: An experienced saxophonist playing altissimo notes during a virtuosic solo.
Microtones
Notes that are in between the standard semitones of Western music, often achieved by partial hole covering or alternate fingerings. Example: A clarinetist plays microtones to produce an Arabian melody.
Pitch Bending
Adjusting the pitch of a note up or down by altering embouchure, air support, or fingering. Example: A saxophonist might bend a note downwards at the end of a phrase for expressivity.
Whistle Tones
Quiet, high-pitched tones produced by blowing a very thin stream of air through the instrument. Example: A flutist uses whistle tones in a modern composition to create a ghostly sound.
Quarter Tones
Pitches that are a quarter step away from standard semitones, creating a microtonal scale. Example: A composer may write an avant-garde piece for flute using quarter tones to achieve an otherworldly sound.
Overblowing
A technique where a musician blows harder to reach an overtone or higher register, not typically accessed with standard fingering. Example: A flutist overblows to achieve a harmonic series above the fundamental note.
Fingering Vibrato
A method of creating vibrato by quickly alternating between two fingerings. Example: A clarinetist may use fingering vibrato to add warmth to a sustained note in a solo.
Bisbigliando
A fluttering effect achieved by rapidly alternating between two different fingerings for the same pitch. Example: A harpist bisbigliando creates a shimmering sound, mimicked by flutists for a similar effect.
Breath Sounds
Incorporating the sound of breathing into the music, which could be rhythmic or textural. Example: A player may exaggerate breathing sounds in a contemporary solo piece for dramatic impact.
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