Vincent Cichowicz and flow studies VincentCichowicz, 'flow studies' and H. ClarkeMaster teacher and former trumpet withChicago Symphony Orchestra, Vincent Cichowicz, is well known for his concept'flow studies'. That this concept is closely linked to H.L. Clarke is maybenot known to all?ITG Journal Vol. 2 (page12)BB: What prompted the concept of'flow studies'?VC: It was Clarke's contentionthat long-tone studies were potential dangerous.
Vincent Cichowicz Flow Studies Pdf
This brought me to theconcept of flow studies. He dismissed long tones as being unimportant andwrote his Technical Studies, which in my opinion are somewhat misunderstood.While it appears to be a book devoted to finger dexterity, it really shouldbe thought of as a series of long tone studies. The ability to move throughdifferent notes (first in simple patterns and then in more complex ones),has the rhythmic energy to encourage air to move through the instrument.Long notes can have a tendency to allow the air to become stagnant. Hisidea was to not only improve finger dexterity but more importantly, solidifythe way we make sound.In a masterclass at the ITG Conferencein 1999, Cichowicz had all the participants work on the Technical Studies.Hereis a quote from the masteclass:'The second warm-up Cichowicz asked Birnscheinto do was the Clarke Second Study (a favorite one for his students).This is where the aspect of inhalation was addressed in depth. The'sticky' start of Birnschein's playing was a result of his initial inhalation.At this point, Cichowicz had Birnschein do air/wind patterns on the exercise.After several attempts, Birnschein produced the desired effect.'