March 22, 2007 by John Ericson

Archived under: Teaching

Timing


Last week in a performance I began to think about timing and this has been a major topic of the week in lessons. Timing is what sets apart top quality players from those of lesser quality.

Timing could be defined various ways but I am thinking mostly in terms of rhythm and flow of rhythm. Rhythm must be accurate and it must flow correctly. Metronome practice, lots of it, is a must!! It is very easy to get used to how something sounds but the flow may in fact be wrong. Work on timing very carefully. Record yourself, get feedback, make it perfect.

Part of timing is also starting the rhythmic flow correctly out of your breath. Many professional players are very sensitive to breathing and how this relates to timing and the flow of time that follows. It can be very distracting actually to play next to a player that breaths and “holds” the air for a moment. If you have this habit it must be broken, it will certainly hold you back as a player.

The final note would be in auditions many players will think they did not advance because they missed the high B-flat or whatever. In reality, most players are eliminated for faulty rhythm in early rounds of auditions. Conductors love players with great rhythm and flow. Make sure that you are one of them.

JOHN ERICSON has wide-ranging experience as an orchestral player, soloist, and teacher.» About John Ericson » More articles » Horn Notes Edition » Contact

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Timing
Published on March 22, 2007 by John Ericson

Archived under: Teaching
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.