You might ask why I was so bold to make that statement and I will defend my words with this observation which began more than three decades ago in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
1. Chromatic scales are the most gradual intervals on any instrument.
2. Equal amounts of playing and resting is the most productive form of practicing.
3. Daily practicing to your “comfortable” high range will increase embouchure strength.
4. Equal amounts of playing and resting insures that you will not “tear down” your lip muscles.
5. Listening to the exercise before you actually play it helps build confidence in your playing.
6. Once you begin, you are more aped to continue without wasting time.
7. Beginning your scales on a lower pitch keeps your embouchure more open for an improved tone.
8. Chromatic scales build finger coordination and strength.
9. Two octave chromatic scales help to improve deeper breaths.
10. Once you get used to the concept, you will actually enjoy this part of your practice time.
Instructions for Chromatic Warm-up
1. Start the recording and follow the instructions.
2. “Realistically” decide on the highest note you can easily play.
3. Back off two half steps and that is as high as you should go each day.
4. Stay on this scale even though the recording continues to ascend.
5. The recording continues up to an Eb and if you are unable to reach that note, continue repeating your chosen high note scale until the recording comes back down to your scale, then proceed down with the recording.
6. Once this note comes boringly easy, proceed to the next half step.
7. Eventually you will be up to a note that seems to be your “comfortable” limit and stay on that scale.
8. The worst thing you can do is to play scales which have to be forced in order for the high notes to come out.
9. “Patients contributes to progress”.
