In search of a resonant pitch center
This reminded me of a great exercise that Rex Martin taught me at Northwestern which I’ve shared with countless of my own students.
There was a note I was having trouble getting my absolute best sound on. It just wouldn’t center because I was fighting the horn.
So Mr. Martin had me hit the pitch intentionally sharp, hit the pitch intentionally flat and then play it right down the middle with a beautiful vibrato to help it resonate.
Hitting the pitch both sharp and flat helped to frame the pitch and the vibrato helped me to center it. I can’t tell you how well this exercise works. I still do it to this day.
It is worth noting that none of this had anything to do with speed. Just three distinctive versions of the same note.
I’m so happy he showed me this exercise and that the Jacobs quote reminded me of it!
