Posted by Alex C on May 30, 2003 at 01:07:49:
In Reply to: Re: Re: B&S 4P posted by js on May 29, 2003 at 23:38:12:
Yes, we would agree. Too many put too much emphasis on breathing based, they believe, on Jacobs' teaching. Jake himself said that controlling breathing was only 15% of playing the tuba. Half an hour a day practing breathing? uh... no thanks, been there, done that, wore that T-shirt out, got a different T-shirt now.
Rather than have me try to slog through anything in print, let me enthsiastically recommend Brian Fredrickson's Presentation of Arnold Jacobs "Almost Live." If you can see this, it will put Mr. Jacobs approach in perspective for you.
It is totally amazing to watch him take a Masterclass student (on video) and improve EVERYTHING in her performance of the Wilder Sonata in less than 10 minutes. He hardly mentions breathing during the whole session.
Brian has done a wonderful job. Please go see this if you have a chance.