1.4 Changing Notes and Using the Valves

GOAL: Use the valves

• Start the lesson as previous lessons with setting up the embouchure saying emmm, breathe and blow the finger away saying puuu.

• Buzz: call and response (sing/buzz) on buzzing written C 

• Play: call and response (sing/play) on buzzing written C

• Use valves: add B, down a half step, alternate C-B-C-B-C first with slur, then with articulation

• add articulation, remind of breathing through corners of the mouth

• move between C and Bb, alternate C-Bb-C-Bb-C and then create a pattern using all three notes. The goal here is to have the student experience pushing down the valves and allowing the note to change.

FINISH: Play something in the low register for the student or share a YouTube Video

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NOTE: The student should make their first sounds in the low register of the instrument. Do not try to get them to play a G in the staff. Stay low for the first week, playing low C, B, Bb, A. Only then add the C# and D above the C4. You will gradually add notes to the high and low range as the student is able, but don't rush it. 

TIP: don't harp on the student for horn position unless it is causing really bad posture. Remember, the horn is heavy and they are little people. This is all new, so keep the experience positive.