Hello everyone,

I was wondering about any strategies to help me fix my connection issues between partials. When isolated, I can play most slurs smoothly and well connected. But, when playing literature, I can never get a clean connection between somewhat easy slurs, especially at softer dynamics. Are there any ways I could work on this issue?

Thanks

Without being able to hear and see you play, giving suggestions is very limited. If you have the possibility of getting some lessons from a good teacher, that would be the best way forward.

Having said that, there are some things you could try. If, as you say, are able to slur in isolated exercises but not in a piece, compare the two. What are you doing differently in the piece? Can you sing the interval?

Vary the dynamics of your exercises, especially playing softer.

If you can glissando up to the note from a longer position and then slur back down and up, this can be a good way to find the movements necessary for the slur. An example: gliss from F (in the staff) up to Ab, slur down to F in 1st and back to Ab. Expand that to the notes on those partials and add the next partials when you get it smooth and consistent.

A gentle warning: if there is something in the way you slur that needs to be “fixed” be careful that you are not practicing a bod habit. This is why a teacher is the best way to go.

Good luck and let us know how it goes,

John