Normally, I would use the single tonguing technique because most of the music that's given were doable with singular tonguing. Once the music became more complicated, singular tonguing would then be the worse option to use. Having to deal with rapid passages with an insanely high tempo (no slurring allowed) makes it impossible to tongue it singularly. This is where you would need to engage in double, or even triple tonguing.
Double Tonguing
The first time I played it normally (single tonguing) and the second time I played it as written (double tonguing). "Double tonguing is generally used only when single tonguing technic is inadequate. The articulation consists of a forward stroke of the tongue on T (tu) and a backward one on K (ku)." (Gower and Voxman 45)
Triple Tonguing
The first time is performed normally, while the second time it's played while using the triple tonguing technique. Like double tonguing, it consists of the movements of T and K. Instead, it is used in this sequence - T, K, T. It is used for passages of music that are made up of triplets. (Gower and Voxman 46)
(For wind players) What are some exercises that can help improve double and/or triple tonguing? And (for non-wind players) try this technique for yourself! (No instrument required) Do you find it simple or challenging to do?
Hi Raina! Your post really explains these flute techniques in depth, and it makes it really easy to follow! To answer your question, practice makes perfect. The technique isn't super complex once you understand how it works (especially after you explained it so clearly), so for me it's really just working up your muscles and getting used to playing those rhythms (so basically just repetition). Do you have any specific techniques you use to improve your triple or double tonguing?
ReplyDeleteDavid, thank you so much for the compliment! I really appreciate it! And yes, I agree that it takes a lot of practice. I guess I just lack the ability since we rarely play it in the pieces we have today (since they aren't too complicated). Whenever I do have the chance to practice double/triple tonguing though, I would usually double/triple tongue an entire scale (either in eighth notes or triplets, depending on the technique). Or I would retain the same note and try to double/triple tongue it, starting off slow then drastically picking up the tempo. I hope this helps!
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