Just started into "Also Sprach Arnold Jacobs" for brass wind musicians. In one section, he recommends mouthpiece buzzing of songs 30-60 minutes a day (3.3, pg. 28). He's not saying all at once, but that still seems excessive to me. Thoughts?
Just started into "Also Sprach Arnold Jacobs" for brass wind musicians. In one section, he recommends mouthpiece buzzing of songs 30-60 minutes a day (3.3, pg. 28). He's not saying all at once, but that still seems excessive to me. Thoughts?
That does seem like a lot, but I wonder how much total practice time he recommends (i.e. what percentage of that time is devoted to buzzing songs).
I spend time playing songs most days. Maybe I should try to divert some of that time to buzzing the same material.
Buzzing helps your chops develop accuracy, not having the partial series to help push you to a certain pitch. And I suppose it could help your interpretative skills, too, because you are freer to phrase when you are not constrained by finger technique.
Dave Werden (ASCAP)
Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
Adams Artist (Adams E3)
Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
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It does sound like a lot, but it doesn't always have to be in a chair behind a music stand in your music cave. Do you drive a lot? Take a mouthpiece with you in the vehicle and buzz at red lights or whenever the traffic permits. Sure, you'll look like a dork, but what the heck -- you already play low brass, so what's to lose
David Bjornstad
1923 Conn New Wonder 86I, Bach 6 1/2 AL
2018 Wessex EP100 Dolce, Denis Wick 4ABL
2013 Jinbao JBEP-1111L, Denis Wick 4AM
2015 Jinbao JBBR-1240, Denis Wick clone mouthpiece of unknown designation
Cullman (AL) Community Band (Euph Section Leader)
Brass Band of Huntsville (2nd Bari)
Very helpful insights. Spread it out through the day. Driving, walking, why not?