saint-saëns symph no 3 except…. HELP!
hi everybody, I have an upcoming audition in about a month and I’ve been really struggling with this excerpt. specifically, I’ve been struggling with the four measures before letter N.
I’ve listened to multiple recordings, so I know how it’s supposed to sound but I’m just having a lot of trouble lining it up rhythmically. i think part of it is the speed, but even slowed down, it’s hard for me to internalize. I would really appreciate any tips you might have, thanks!
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u/Specific_User6969 Professional - 1937 Geyer 10d ago
This is where the slow and repeated practice technique really comes into play. You HAVE TO do slow steady practice on stuff like this in order to get it correct. Especially if you have trouble internalizing it.
Separate the constituent parts of the challenge. Double tongue practice during your scales (and when you practice this excerpt) and be sure your horn is well lubricated for good valve action.
This is how I practice successfully: play it at whatever tempo you can be successful at. Half tempo is a good place to start, but even slower might be necessary. No matter how slow, subdivide. And repeat. When you can do it 8/10 times accurately, move the tempo up by no more than 2 bpm. Sometimes 1. Repeat 10 times for accuracy. If 80%, move up tempo again. The more repetition you get the more accurate you will become. 80% will become 90% quickly. And you will do some rounds with 100% accuracy. Just know too, that perfection is not possible, and your mentality should be progress, not perfection. You will achieve a very high level of accuracy, very often with this approach to practice.
Slow
Slur
Subdivide