Quarter tones |
Are smaller intervals than a semitones. In sax, the quarter tones can be executed with a change in the embouchure (relaxing or closing the lower lip in order to reduce or increase the tuning of a sound to the frequency desired) or using specific keys which are left unused in the execution of a "normal" sound. The scale of quarter tones appeared in Western music during the 1980s, and numerous contemporary composers employ it, including Pierre Boulez, Julián Carrillo, Mildred Couper, Charles Ives, Giacinto Scelsi and Iannis Xenakis. |
Circular breathingUsed in some wind instruments to avoid interrupting the production of sound. There are numerous traditional instruments in different cultures which can only be played using this technique, such as Australian didgeridoo, Mayan hom pak, Asian sorna, Egyptian arghul and Basque alboka. The practice of circular breathing is highly beneficial, as the frequent oxygenation and constant work of the diafragm improve the functioning of organs such as heart or lungs. |
"Non pure" sounds |
Inspired by the sound of the shakuhachi, traditional instrument in Japanese culture, I usually alternate "pure" sound (that is, clean, without any presence of air) with "non-pure" sound (characterised by the natural presence of air). This technique is widely used by jazz musicians, as air is an essential component of its sound. In jazz, we also refer to subtone technique, which is commonly used in the execution of passages in a low register. |
Sound as theraphy
In the East, the benefits of sound -and therefore, music- for human beings have been studied for millions of years. Indian musician Vemu Mukunda used to say to his students <Just as light, when projected in a particular way, can kill or cure, the same thing can happen with sound> and he helped them find their "natural" sound as a way to reach physical and mental balance. It is a proven fact, that through sound human beings can vibrate fully, whether they play an instrument or sing, or neither. All the elements (human beings, animals, vegetables, minerals, molecules, atoms, etc.) possess their own natural vibration, and there is a personal sound, also known as "voice print" or "personal tonic", which is unique to each individual. |