Jacobs on MP buzzing

[Roger]

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?

[davewerden]

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.

[DaveBj]

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

[Roger]

Very helpful insights. Spread it out through the day. Driving, walking, why not?