Topmusicanswers
What are long tones for clarinet?
Long Tones are the gold standard for tone development. By playing slowly (long tones) we can consider our fundamental sound goals of air speed and capacity, oral cavity position, tuning, quiet and relaxed inhalations, embouchure, an arched soft palette, and smooth legato fingers.
What is long tone?
Long tones are exactly what they sound like: you play a note into your horn and hold it at a steady volume and pitch for as long as your breath will allow. Then you go up or down and half step and repeat, ultimately going through the full range of your instrument.
What is the purpose of long tones?
Why are long tones so important? Long tones help you improve your sound, aka your musical voice. It doesn't matter how fast/high/loud you can play if you can't do so with a beautiful sound.
