I've started to learn the Suite en Stile Acien by Kronke, and in a few of the movements, I have found that low notes need to be played quitely at p then at f, which I find that the p and the f sound at the same dynamic level when I'm playing them. (if that makes sense).

How can I improve dynamics in the bottom registar?

Thanks
Ceri

Please don't hate me.... practice!

It's really hard, I still struggle.

If you do a search in Viva Woodwind I'm sure you'll find something.

Things I have found useful:

Think of forte in the low register as being broad... somehow the mental imagery can really help the sound sometimes.

There's a very useful thing with vowel sounds.... but I can't think how to explain it. I'll try and work it out when I'm a bit more with it....

Longtone practice, and try to vary the dynamics - play a loud note then a soft note, then trying playing a cresendo or a diminuendo....

I expect the teachers out there will have more useful advice (hope so, I will be interested to read it too )

Just adding to what Sarah said.

I always get told to think of sending the air down the tube, I mean right to the bottom. It's hard to explain if you don't understand let me know and I'll try and explain a bit better.

But as Sarah said it is hard and I too still find it difficult!

Hi, I'm having a similar problem at the moment too. In Faure-Siciliene, I have to play F and E flat 3 p, whihc I am finding hard, and yeah the best thing is to practise.

I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling
I've been practising longtones alot.

Sarah and Weejen could explain the visualisation things in a bit more detail please?

Ceri

Erm...

I try to think of the sound spreading out like treacle, broad, deep, thick. It sounds wacky but try it. Basically our bodies are very good mimics of sound we have heard - if you can imagine the sound you want, and give yourself some images that make you think of that sound, and you may be surprised at what you can come up with. Sometimes things like that work better than trying to analyse exactly how you are achieving what you are doing

Erm...

Ok here goes! Really think of sending the air down the tube. Well, it's a really hard thing to explain but maybe don't just think it but do it instead of thinking of blowing over the embouchure hole try thinking blowing in to it. It kind of makes sense when you think to get a low note the air has to travel right to the bottom of the tube to get a low D, C sharp or C. Sorry I'm not very good at explaining it!

Sorry double post!

For this, make sure you support the notes well with your diaphragm, and for f and p blow the same amount of air down the tube.

Thanks Nicki! I'm definately improving.