Exercise Library

Play each note of the Bb Major scale as a whole note at quarter = 60. Focus on centered tone, steady air, and consistent dynamic level.

Start pp, crescendo to ff over 8 counts, then decrescendo back to pp. Maintain pitch center throughout.

Play low register note for 8 counts, slur up an octave, hold 8 counts. Focus on matching tone quality between registers.

Hold concert Bb for 16 counts. Use a tuner. Adjust until perfectly centered. Repeat 4 times.

Using a single fingering, sustain each partial of the harmonic series for 4 counts each. Control with air only.

Play Bb Major scale, two octaves, quarter notes at quarter = 80. Even tone, clean fingerings, full range.

Full range chromatic scale, sixteenth notes at quarter = 72. Every note clear and even.

Eb Major scale, two octaves, eighth notes at quarter = 100. Slurred ascending, tongued descending.

F Major in thirds: C-E, D-F, E-G, F-A... Quarter notes at quarter = 88. Smooth connection between intervals.

Ab Major scale, two octaves at quarter = 92. Focus on maintaining air support through the upper register.

Choose any major scale. Play at quarter = 60, then 80, then 100, then 120. Rest 8 counts between each tempo.

Slur between partials 2-3-4, each valve combination. Quarter notes at quarter = 72. Smooth transitions, no tongue.

Full range lip slur patterns through all valve combinations. Eighth notes at quarter = 88. Air-driven changes only.

Slur across the break smoothly. Start slowly, increase tempo. Focus on consistent air stream and embouchure flexibility.

Slur through expanding intervals: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, octave. Each starting note, 4 reps. Smooth and connected.

Read through the etude once without stopping. Focus on rhythm first, then pitch. Mark trouble spots for review.

Clap and count the rhythm pattern before playing. Then play on a single pitch. Then play as written.

Identify the key signature, play the scale first, then sight-read the passage. 30 seconds prep time only.

Set a timer for 1 minute of prep. Study the passage silently. Then play through without stopping, regardless of mistakes.

Practice each rhythm pattern with a metronome at quarter = 80. Subdivide internally. Tap foot on beat 1 and 3.

Play the syncopation exercise slowly first (quarter = 60), then increase by 10 BPM increments. Keep subdivision steady.

Alternate between dotted-eighth-sixteenth and sixteenth-dotted-eighth patterns. Metronome on. Precision over speed.

Work through measures 1-16 at a comfortable tempo. Focus on phrase shaping and dynamic contrast. Mark breaths.

Full run-through at performance tempo. Record yourself and listen back. Note 3 things to improve.

Play the etude expressively. Think about phrase direction, dynamic shading, and tone color changes.

Isolate the hardest 4 measures. Practice at half tempo 5 times, then gradually speed up. Clean before fast.

Full performance run-through. Simulate audition conditions: play it through once with no stops. Evaluate honestly.

5 min long tones, 5 min lip slurs, 5 min scales. Full warm-up before any other practice.

Record yourself performing the audition piece. Play it back. Note where tension affected playing. Repeat.

Practice your part for the upcoming sectional. Mark cues, dynamics, and tricky rhythms. Be ready to lead.