I wrote this to the other list a few weeks ago.
KB
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Steve Colley wrote:
KB,
Write more about freebuzzing when you get a moment. Range? Tone quality?
Actual exercises...etc.
And several others responded with their opinions and relayed other opinions.
My opinion is that free buzzing and mouthpiece buzzing as practice aids are
virtually useless compared to real horn playing, meaning with the horn. I
know of several people who harmed themselves by getting addicted to free
buzzing as an integral part of their daily routine. They lost control, sound
quality and dynamic range. Only after getting back to "real" practicing did
things return and progress was made.
I do use free buzzing for certain things, though. One is to help people
discover their natural embouchure. I am constantly amazed at how many people
play with horrible contortions to their face. No, I won't describe the
process
here. I don't have time and I really can't do it justice without personal
contact as it is a highly individualized endeavor. If I ever write a book on
the subject, I'll let you all know. Another use is for a short pre-warmup
just to get the blood circulating though I find ISO-kinetic lip stretching is
better for that. I talk about that at camp and have a handout on that. If I
ever find the scan of it, maybe I'll put on the KBHC website. Jimmy Chambers
use to buzz into his fingers as a warm up. I use to do my lip stretches in
the car on the way to rehearsals and concerts. Really helped to get warmed
up during Minnesota winter.
As to buzzing the mouthpiece, again I find it useless compared to playing
the horn. I've tried it and I've know many brass players who swore by it and
did it a lot every day. It just never really helped me compared to spending
that time on real horn playing.
I am also not a fan of breathing apparati, BERP, etc., but I know successful
players who swear by that stuff as well. I do recommend aerobic exercise
and weight training, though I have given up the 16oz. arm lifts as well as
carbon monoxide resistance training.
These are just my opinions. Others obviously say that these things work for
them and are helpful. Different strokes, etc.....
KB
PS: For the record, I can free buzz all over the range and hit a high C
with the horn on a table or shelf if I can get the right mouthpipe angle to
set
my chops properly. I practice most of the time with my little finger on top
of the pinky hook with no flippers, duck's feet or tethers on my horns. Try
that to help reduce your mouthpiece pressure and get away from the "Lefty
Armstrong" school of playing.
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