This week I’ve been thinking about the importance of balance in your playing.

There are two main aspects to balance as horn players:

  1. Forward motion of air vs backpressure of instrument

  2. The two part system in the face, i.e. the supporting muscles vs the muscles that control the actual reed/aperture which creates the vibration

Actually finding balance in these aspects is extremely difficult to sense and achieve without being in shape.

So… you have to trust the process of playing a lot and getting in shape first, before you can enjoy the groove.

Once you’re in shape you will much more easily understand the two main balances, and be able to implement them.

So what are you waiting for? Go practice!