Building a High Range

Good high ranges don't happen in a day.  They take time and proper technique to build. Here is how to go about it.

First read these articles

• Six Places
• Ah vs Oh
• Don't Move
• Face Based vs Air Based Playing
• Aiming and the Target

At first you'll want to work on your high range every other day. It's ok to be really tire your chops out if you let them rest a day.

Start by playing some of our exercises in their normal range so that you play them properly. Then start transposing them up by half steps.

• A good way to start is with exercise #1A. Start in your mid range and play the exercise up as high as you possibly can. Pinch, squeeze, make funny faces, whatever you need to do to get up as high as possible. For this exercise we are not looking for fine technique or a pretty sound.

Do this exercise as the last thing you play for the day.

• Make sure your practice time includes exercises to expand your LOW range.
• Practice scales and long tones up as high as possible every day.

Don't expect results the first day or even the first week. With diligent practice you will notice your high range getting easier and more reliable soon.

If you are in this position, ask your conductor to program a piece you are afraid of to light a fire under you. Knowing you have to perform something outside your range will get you working (hopefully intelligently) on your high range!