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Playing with better dynamics

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Fri, 08/05/2016 - 14:55
Grant
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Joined: 11/06/2015

Hi David, looking for some tips on controlling dynamics in my playing. When I play it sounds ok in my head, but when I record it and listen back, it's pretty much all the same level. Also really struggling with things that are supposed to be more legato and making them flow.

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Fri, 08/05/2016 - 19:40
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David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
This is no doubt a

This is no doubt a challenging technique to implement. Work on making your louds louder and your softs softer. Make your dynamic range much more exaggerated than you think sounds good... the more difference you create the more emotional it becomes.

Practice playing a phrase in the following ways...
1) Loud
2) Super-soft
3) Start soft and go to very loud
4) Start loud and then go to very soft
5) Start soft, get loud, and finish soft
6) Start loud, get soft, and finish very loud

Practicing this with your phrases will help you to have full control of your dynamic range.

For legato, thinking as if you're only using one breath helps (even if there are draws and blows involved). Leave no space between notes.

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