Invariably the best ideas are usually the simplest ones.

Take the FlowPartner practice aid designed by the respected euphonium player and teacher Patrik Randefalk to help players increase airflow and stamina as well as provide a quick and convenient warm-up/down tool.

The idea is simplicity itself (although backed up by a bit of technical know-how and experience) – an easy to use hand held tube that you put your mouthpiece in at one end, and regulate your air-flow resistance with at the other with a screw threaded cap.

In essence that’s it (although there are variants on the same theme from other manufacturers).

Easy to understand

On the technical side of things it’s pretty easy to understand as well.

The FlowPartner is made out of hard wearing, lightweight polycarbonate and is about 10.00cm in length. You can fit it inside your band jacket or even your pocket and the neat ergonomic design enables you to easily maintain your embouchure position when using it. 

It also comes in three different sizes to cover mouthpieces from cornet to tuba and in a choice of three colours.

The idea is simplicity itself (although backed up by a bit of technical know-how and experience) – an easy to use hand held tube that you put your mouthpiece in at one end, and regulate your air-flow resistance with at the other with a screw threaded cap.

The clever bit comes in the internal design, which incorporates a tapered conical bore (bigger for larger instruments in the medium and large models) which directs the airflow through the tube and onto a cone point that diffuses it through its exit ports. 

The tighter you screw the threaded cap the greater the resistance - although the flow remains constant.  Loosen it and it becomes easier to play. 

Flow and resistance

Although ideally suited for warm up and breathing exercises for flow and resistance, it also provides an effective way of maintaining good tonguing technique throughout the range and a keen ear on pitch.   

Interestingly there has been a great deal of interest shown in it from health care professionals to help people who suffer with breathing problems.

It is as we thought: A simple idea made very effective...

Iwan Fox

Price: £32.00/€37.50 approx

Sizes:
Small: Cornet/flugel/horn/trumpet
Medium: Baritone/trombone (small shank)
Large: Euphonium/tuba/trombone (large shank)

Colours: Black/Red/Grey

To purchase: https://randefalkmusic.com/collections/accessories/products/flowpartner