buzzing: tube,berp,or mouthpiece only?

[Charlie Goodman]

I use a lot of buzzing to warm up and to focus on clarity of sound, correct articulation, and accurate pitch. My teacher recommends the use of the mouthpiece rim ("visualizer"), and I think it's one of the most effective tools for finding a clean buzz-- it's nearly impossible to buzz with an inefficient embouchure on the rim, and it's really easy to hear inconsistencies in the buzz. Particularly in the high register, it's hard to buzz on the rim with anything other than effective buzzing habits. Also, I've found that free buzzing helps the high range sound a lot, presumably because the isolating effect of the mouthpiece is lessened when the tension is higher, and because one can't rely on pressure when there's nothing on the face.

[Chen]

I think it is much better to buzz with a BERP, or at least add some resistance.

Buzzing the mouthpiece alone is playing into open end - too little resistance - which unnecessarily stresses the player. By stress I mean things like raising the tongue, closing the throat, doing all sort of squeeze to sustain that tone. And it's not "training" like lifting heavy weights, it's building bad habits you don't want when you play the horn. The good thing about BERP is that you can start with more pressure to achieve a fuller buzz (identifiable pitch) and then gradually decrease the pressure to approximately the same as the tuba.

As for free buzz: Arnold Jacobs said do not buzz without a rim, period. But if somebody thinks the man was wrong and has an alternative theory to share, please do tell..

[basstbone64]

I think that the so-called 'free buzzing' is expressly intended to 'stress' the player in his or her practicing. If you take away the resistance of the horn and are still able to play, it is analogous to running 2 miles in training for a 1 mile race. It should be reiterated, however, that one must be aware that bad habits can *absolutely* develop with this technique.

Just a difference of opinion.

[Charlie Goodman]

I think it is much better to buzz with a BERP, or at least add some resistance.

Buzzing the mouthpiece alone is playing into open end - too little resistance - which unnecessarily stresses the player. By stress I mean things like raising the tongue, closing the throat, doing all sort of squeeze to sustain that tone. And it's not "training" like lifting heavy weights, it's building bad habits you don't want when you play the horn. The good thing about BERP is that you can start with more pressure to achieve a fuller buzz (identifiable pitch) and then gradually decrease the pressure to approximately the same as the tuba.

As for free buzz: Arnold Jacobs said do not buzz without a rim, period. But if somebody thinks the man was wrong and has an alternative theory to share, please do tell..

Not to say that he's wrong on this topic, but Arnold Jacobs is not infallible. Just because he said it, it's ridiculous to have another opinion? He was an phenomenal teacher, and an excellent player, but he's still only human. Should we all also smoke cigarettes until we have a fraction of our original lung capacity, just because he did? Think for yourself, man.

[Chen]

I think it is much better to buzz with a BERP, or at least add some resistance.

Buzzing the mouthpiece alone is playing into open end - too little resistance - which unnecessarily stresses the player. By stress I mean things like raising the tongue, closing the throat, doing all sort of squeeze to sustain that tone. And it's not "training" like lifting heavy weights, it's building bad habits you don't want when you play the horn. The good thing about BERP is that you can start with more pressure to achieve a fuller buzz (identifiable pitch) and then gradually decrease the pressure to approximately the same as the tuba.

As for free buzz: Arnold Jacobs said do not buzz without a rim, period. But if somebody thinks the man was wrong and has an alternative theory to share, please do tell..

Not to say that he's wrong on this topic, but Arnold Jacobs is not infallible. Just because he said it, it's ridiculous to have another opinion? He was an phenomenal teacher, and an excellent player, but he's still only human. Should we all also smoke cigarettes until we have a fraction of our original lung capacity, just because he did? Think for yourself, man.

Thanks for the advice. But if I don't think and have to choose between your way and AJ's way, I'd still have to go with AJ. I never said you are ridiculous for buzz w/o a rim, just that AJ disagreed. Definitely do what you think is working for you though. I don't smoke.