The Essence of Practicing Long Tones

Essence, it’s a funny word when considering something like long tone practice, but it is descriptive.

When you hear essence what does it make you think of, the life of something maybe, or how about the core or inner working; its characteristics.

All these things are used to describe the essence of something, and this is what I would like you to keep in mind today as I discuss essence and its relationship to practicing long tones and jazz improvisation. 

So what are long tones and what does essence have to do with it?

Most people think practicing long tones implies taking your instrument and then playing a note for awhile.

Well this is partially true, there really is more to practicing long tones. 

Long tone practice is really a form of focused practice that develops your tone, sound, and your musical voice.

Keyword being focused practice.  Otherwise long tone practice is pointless and just plain boring.

Believe me when I say that the only way long tone practice is going to be productive, meaningful, and not plain boring is if you have a clear focus on what you want to accomplish.

This is where essence comes in.  You need to ask yourself, “What do I want the essence of my sound to be?   What is my musical voice?  What elements do I want in my sound?  Is it smoothness, or maybe a bright buzz, or do want a light breathy sound?”

Whatever you want the core of your sound to be, whatever your sound conception is, your sound is developed, made, and created by figuring out how to bring out the essence of your sound through the practice of long tones.

Where Musical Essence comes from

This brings up the question, “Where does musical essence come from?”

Well, your musical essence will come from within, and this can only happen if you relax, take your time, and really get inside your sound.

Hear the different shades and colors in each note.  Feel the life within the sound.  Let your instrument become a part of you.  

When you are relaxed, yet focused, really trying to create something real with your sound, that’s when your personality, self, and musical conception will shine through.

I know that when I say things like feel, hear, and see it might sound funny but if you want your music to have life to it.  If you want your music to ring true with others, and if you want your music to be timeless you have to give it life. 

The only way to give your music and your instrument life is to breath that life into it by hearing, feeling, and seeing the possibilities and nuances.  This is what I call essence.

Really when it comes to developing essence in your sound through the practice of long tones you need to be conscious of the fact that you’re striving to bring life to your music and playing.

People like music because it connects with them both emotionally, and spiritually.

Bringing your life force, or essence into your music will allow you to more completely connect with your audience and share something that is truly meaningful.

The proper mindset

What I’ve shared with you today is really the mindset that you need to have while practicing your long tones, and any musical exercise for that matter.

Strive to bring your musical conception along with yourself to all aspects of your music through focused practice.

Long tone practice is a great way to go about bringing essence to your sound and creating life in your music.  
It is the one exercise where you can put all your time and effort into creating your own personal sound.

So here is the mindset that you need as you are practicing your long tones.

Focus on the idea that you create beautiful and creative music only by instilling your personality and life into your instrument.

The deeper you dive and delve into the various ways you can express emotion, thought, and personality in your sound the more real your music will be, and the greater you will progress.

Well that’s all for now. 

I hope that the concept of creating essence in your playing will help you create the musical voice you desire and make it so that your music will have life.  I know the above has helped me greatly and it will do the same for you.

I’d be interested in hearing how you have gone about creating your own unique voice.  Whether this is through the use of long tones like I’ve described or some other method feel free to share.

Until next time,

Caruso