Chicago tuba freelance artist and teacher, Joseph Agnew describes his initial lessons with Mr. Jacobs. He talked about Mr. Jacobs’ insisting on good pianissimo playing, buzzing the mouthpiece and how spectacular Mr. Jacobs’ mouthpiece sound was, and the amount of time that was spent buzzing in some of his lessons. Buzzing bugle calls was a large part of some of the lessons. Improving dynamic abilities was often done on the mouthpiece. Using mouthpiece buzzing as method to stay in shape while traveling is explored in this interview. Agnew described the large increase of Jacobs shared some advice regarding life coping skills and music when the busy-ness of life would intrude. Jacobs did not want Joseph to practice in front of other people. Learn music in private. Perform music in public. Joseph discussed Jacobs’ teaching technique of mis-direction: Jacobs would assess the way the student best learned and then proceed. Mr. Jacobs’ use of solfeggio was also discussed.
Chicagoland tubist and bassist, Rich Armandi shares his 30 years of lesson experiences with Arnold Jacobs.
Joe Aumann with Michael Grose
Avid TPTV viewer, Joe Aumann, interviews Mike about his studies with Arnold Jacobs. The theme song to the TV show Hogan’s Heroes drew Mike to music. Toby Hanks’s inspirational tuba playing solidified Mike’s interest in the tuba. When Mike auditioned for Northwestern University he did not know anything about Arnold Jacobs. But upon matriculation, Mr. Jacobs returned to the Northwestern faculty. Prior to Jacobs, the brass pedagogy Mike encountered was more feel and body focused, including tight-gut respiration. Mr. Jacobs’s approach was 180 degrees opposite of that. Mike had a pronounced double buzz issue when he initially played for Jacobs. Jacobs remedied that problem by using more air at the lips, and in particular by letting lower notes below the problematic ones be the teacher. Jacobs turned Mike around in terms of his priorities. Be less analytical where the body is concerned. Think the music in the mind much more, sing, and put much more wind at the lips. Be a full-breather instead of a half-breather. Jacobs trained Mike to realize that he had more lung capacity to tap into. Fuller breaths. Jacobs was persistent and patient that Mike play melodies on the mouthpiece. Tone quality, pitch, endurance all improved when Mike began buzzing. The pitches became more alive in the mind, too, as Mike buzzed more and more. Jacobs used melodies on the mouthpiece more than drills with Mike. If you can’t play it, buzz it. If you can’t buzz it, sing it. If you can’t sing it, learn to sing it, and then add the buzz, and then the instrument. After Mike moved to Savannah, he continued studies with Jacobs by making the 2000 mile r/t several times per year. Mike augmented those lessons with phone consultations with Jacobs. As Mike’s studies with Jacobs progressed in the late-‘80s and ‘90s, he noticed Jacobs’s nomenclature changing from wind and song, to song and wind. Jacobs’s use of gadgets with Mike decreased over time, too. Mike thinks Jacobs may have begun to sense that the gadgets were becoming the ends, rather than the mean to an end, which was always great art. Deep knee bends discussion. The brain is pre-occupied with the large muscle group movements allow for change to occur in the mind. Discussion of neural pathways. Strangeness versus sameness. Sneaking in new habits. Discussion of why Mike started TubaPeopleTV. Jacobs developed a curriculum for each individual student. There was no “Jacobs Method” other than the two principals of song and wind. Jacobs’s goal was simply to help the student sound terrific. “Do it all wrong, but just sound great.” Jacobs was a generous person, and a genius. He had the medical knowledge of a medical doctor. Jacobs worked to meet the student in their mind in order to help the student fully. Future plans of TPTV include organizing the nuggets of info from each episode into one easily accessible format/place. Mike had an epiphany at his first lesson with Jacobs, “This isn’t hard. It’s easy after all”. Breathing more deeply, be more relaxed. “Jelly belly”. Tight gut. Mouthpiece buzzing. Singing. Make statements while playing. Keep it simple. Don’t drive the car from underneath the hood. Prior to Jacobs, a lesson was “Do as I say because this is what works for me.” Due to his extreme knowledge of body and mind, with Jacobs, a lesson became “Do as I say because this is what works for people.” Common universal truths of being a human. The Gospel according to Jacobs. Why is it important for younger people to know about Arnold Jacobs? It is more important that they know what he taught. Jacobs was a fallible human. A world class musician, with an amazing body of knowledge and intellect, but he was just a man (not a god). Mike’s theorem is that Bud Herseth and Arnold Jacobs changed the world of classical music.
With the help of Harvey Phillips, in 1994 Øystein Baadsvik was introduced to Arnold Jacobs for two lessons. Baadsvik describes those two lessons as changing his tuba playing. Jacobs helped Baadsvik to relax by using less force and tension while playing. Baadsvik describes how Jacobs got him to use more air, and to stay out of the residual air (i.e. negative) part of his vital capacity. In addition, short note mouthpiece playing was an important component in the lessons. Jacobs’ pedagogy, and his ability to solve problems without letting the student know what he was doing, was also part of the discussion. Putting focus on musical communication and being entertaining, as a way to guide the mind away from thinking about how one is playing while playing, was also an important message from Mr. Jacobs to Baadsvik. Next the interview shifted to learning what Harvey Phillips shared with Baadsvik: attitude and sound being the main items. Baadsvik’s studies with John Fletcher is also a topic of conversation, with clarity being a major message. Øystein shares his viewpoint on how he believes many students are wasting their time and money by going to a teacher just to be told what is on the page; such things could be heard by simply recording ones personal practice, and then listening to the playback. And finally, Øystein shares his thoughts at being in Autzen Stadium for his very first American football game — UCLA Bruins versus University of Oregon Ducks.
In TPTV’s 50th interview, Northern Illinois University School of Music director, and noted bass trombonist, Dr. Paul Bauer, shares his memories of studying with Arnold Jacobs, Frank Crisafulli, and Edward Kleinhammer, as well as performing with the Chicago Symphony on numerous occasions. Dr. Bauer’s initial encounter with Jacobs was at the 1981 Jacobs master classes at Northwestern. Bauer describes that although Jacobs would explain various physical and psychological aspects involved in playing, it all came to focus on the musical aspects of performing. Strength versus weakness was a subject that Bauer took away from those initial classes, weakness being preferred, because Jacobs showed playing a brass instrument doesn’t large amounts of strength. Bauer also compares and contrasts his studies with Jacobs, Frank Crisafulli, and Ed Kleinhammer while a Northwestern doctoral student. The subject of tone projection, especially in a large ensemble setting, and regardless of dynamic level is covered in this episode, with the concept of theatrical stage make-up as an analogous situation. Bauer gave a brief history of Kleinhammer’s development of his bass trombone equipment. A series of five CSO Das Rheingold concerts, including a Carnegie Hall performance under Solti was a special memory for Bauer. He also gave his observations about pre-concert habits of some of the CSO brass players.
Legendary Chicago Brass Quintet principal trumpeter, Ross Beacraft shares with the TPTV audience his memories of studying with Arnold Jacobs. Perhaps especially of great interest to trumpeters, he describes how Jacobs helped him to play “The Call” from Zarathustra right every time.
Trombonist, Michael Becker describes his studies with Arnold Jacobs. Becker is principal trombonist of the Tucson Symphony and frequent substitute trombone with many orchestras around the world.
Michael Becker – Duck Nuts Bloopers
Michael Grose has a very difficult time giving Michael Becker his Duck Nuts.
In this 101st installment, trombonist Michael Becker expands on themes he discussed in TPTV’s very first episode. Becker had his first two lessons with Jacobs as a 13 year-old. Becker described Jacobs’ ideas about the importance of having a concept in the mind. You can refine crudity but silence cannot be refined. Technical studies are music, too. Everything you play should be musical. Exaggerate what’s on the page. Portray music rather than an athletic event when playing. The notes on the page represent sounds. Mouthpiece work. With Jacobs, embouchure wasn’t as important as was the concept and message in the mind. The meat (embouchure) will respond to the message. Mouthpiece buzzing can aid in revealing if there is unwanted tension and inconsistent air flow. Play music on the mouthpiece rather than drill forms. The lips are the vocal chords of the brass player. Be a brass singer. Conceptual inspiration may be even more important than the actual practicing of the instrument. Playing songs is a fantastic way to practice putting emotion into all of your music making. Phone lessons with Jacobs were very effective. Just hearing Jacobs’ rich, resonant tone were great lessons. Put your mind on the music not on the difficulty of a particular passage. Jacobs’ greatest lesson was that he didn’t ever tell Becker how to play a phrase, how to play musically, but Jacobs allowed Becker to find his own path toward a musical solution. Zarathustra anecdote. Putting words to the notes. Jacobs encouraged Becker to put his thoughts into the music, which got his out of the physical arena of thinking. Paralysis by analysis. Be a brass singer. The importance of teaching and how it is a benefit to one’s playing. A strength of Jacobs’ pedagogy stemmed from his great ability to determine how best to communicate with the student. Love song and its application to other solo passages. Jacobs pushed Becker to think for himself.
Colorado Springs trombonist, Sondra Bell, studied with Arnold Jacobs during 1991-92 while she was preparing for, and during her first year of doctoral study. She came away very inspired following her initial lesson with Mr. Jacobs. By the end of that first lesson Sondra was playing with much more ease than when she began. She knew then that she had to return. Mental conceptualization rather than body-part control was emphasized as well as using a better quality of air both in breathing air and blowing air. They worked on getting a great quality initial breath to be habitual. Breathe from the lips – breathing “HO”. Air is free so go ahead and waste it. Breathe as much as you want and often. Don’t be constrained by super-imposed templates of playing an entire phrase on one breath. Bell assured her that she did not have to change her embouchure, which had been an instruction from another of her teachers. Blow to the lips. Get the air out front. Be an actress. Be a story-teller of great sounds. Our job is to first be a great singer. Jacobs encouraged Bell to use her imagination much more while playing. Put vowel in your sound. “Oh”. Much of the time the consonant takes up too much space in the mouth and can limit tone quality and ease of playing. Play technical passages in legato to help get the vowel more dominant rather than the consonant. For Bell, Jacobs encouraged her to use the mouthpiece ring/rim to buzz more than the mouthpiece itself. Bell recorded her lessons and also wrote them down in note form and then revisited them multiple times.
Luca Benucci
Internationally renowned hornist, Luca Benucci, shares his experiences studying with Arnold Jacobs. Benucci says Jacobs gave him the right to follow the sound, to look for the sound, to love the sound, and the music, Bel canto. Sing like Pavarotti. Dale Clevenger recommended Jacobs to Benucci. Initial lesson(s) centered around breathing and buzzing. Jingle Bells and O Solo Mio. Benucci initially wondered why such a famous teacher was having him play such simple tunes. He later realized that this was part of Jacobs’s approach, to present simple challenges at first while introducing change to help the student sound great with minimal stress. Each lesson was magical because Jacobs could find the solution to any problem you had. Benucci studied with Jacobs for ten years (1987-1996). In 1995 Jacobs began working with Benucci colors and emotions. This was after Benucci had won an important position in Germany. Jacobs told Benucci that the mouthpiece is the instrument. Your mind will much more engaged in developing concepts. As you learn the music concepts in the mind, your embouchure will follow. Jacobs suggested Benucci consider buying various pieces of equipment such as a spirometer, mouthpiece rim, anesthesia bag, etc. Benucci does not teach “muscle” use. What is important is how to use the gasoline (air), not the gasoline itself. Benucci had three gods, Mahler, Bach, Jacobs, and Mozart. Benucci began to take care of and study the potential of the mind. The mind can by-pass the challenges of the instrument. Benucci also studied with Roger Bobo. Jacobs remains a major influence and inspiration to Benucci. Singer with a horn in your hands. German brass style is much different than in Chicago. Re: mouthpiece buzzing there are many opinions. For Benucci it is an important activity in order to develop great sound. The real instrument, though, is your mind. One should develop the thoughts of what you want and then imitate that with the mouthpiece and instrument. “Finding truffles at the beach.” Jacobs encouraged Benucci to develop ideas of colors in the mind. Benucci continues to buzz and sing quite a bit. Benucci learned a tremendous amount from listening to great opera singers, initially at the Florence Opera. Jacobs was a nice man, grandfatherly. “Blue machine” = incentive spirometer. Upsound buzzing aid device. Pacho Flores, trumpet soloist in Spain, invented Upsound. Follow great teachers. Most all generations went to Jacobs from the 1970s through the 1990s (and maybe prior). Power of the mind. Mehta recommended certain Oriental philosophers to Benucci. You have to love what you do to be successful. Mind focusing on sound and observing how tone colors change on the instrument. You work to have “magic”. Breathing demonstrations. Be inquisitive. Ask questions. But in the end, on your instrument, make statements. Law of Attraction: You attract what you think. Positive people attract positivity while negative people attract negativity. Lie to yourself, lie to the audience. Fine Arts Building, Jacobs’s studio. Jacobs gave people hope. Use your imagination to build your own way of playing. If you are not sounding the way you want, stop and simplify things to the point of being able to produce excellence. Examples of timbres through singing. Sentiments, energy, the mind controls it all. Benucci pyramid: Five-year plan – 2 years of working, gathering information, 3rd year start to audition, 4th year go abroad to have more experiences and begin to cut with Luca, 5th usually get a big job. Benucci used to carry a photo of Jacobs in his wallet. What made Jacobs’s teaching so great is that he viewed each student as an individual and created a curriculum just for that person. Benucci could know what was going on in the mind of the student based on what they are doing with their playing. Jacobs did not like to use the word “attack” for articulation. He challenged Benucci to find other ways to describe various articulations. Taking the challenge, Benucci found 125 descriptions for different articulations. Jacobs encouraged creative thinking. Breathe in the music. Sometimes student get in trouble by using too much air. How Benucci has become so successful: passion and love, practice every day to by-pass the instrument (buzzing and singing demonstration with numerous timbres). Imitate excellence. Every note should have passion, information and interest. Don’t play long tones, play quality tones. More discussion about breathing.
Clarinetist and Bass Clarinetist, J. Lawrie Bloom (recently retired from the Chicago Symphony at the time of the interview in June 2021), discusses what drew him to study with #ArnoldJacobs. He had just joined the CSO and was being exhorted by Sir Georg Solti to play more loudly, but he was not sure how to satisfy that request without working too hard. Bloom had long known about Jacobs (from when Bloom was in other orchestras), so one day at rehearsal Bloom asked Jacobs if he would work with him. That led to an initial series of lessons wherein Jacobs discovered, through instrumentation and observation, that Bloom was not using his air very well or efficiently. Bloom became convinced Jacobs was giving him true information due to the read-outs of the instrumentation and incentive devices. Jacobs used devices that measured Bloom’s lung capacity and revealed the quality of airflow he was inhaling. Discussion of getting the tongue out of the way of the air. Jacobs gave Bloom permission to let his sternum and shoulders rise in the course of an full breath. Discussion of higher sounds using a faster velocity of air, and lower sounds using a slower velocity…blowing in a manner similar to bending the flame of a candle. Bloom realized that he was blowing too fast over the bass clarinet reed. This balanced out with what Jacobs had been working on with Bloom’s inhalation – making it larger. Bloom’s observations after those initial lessons was 1) absolute freedom of his air, 2) use a 5-counts in/5-counts out approach to the breathing process, 3) so much less effort was experienced, 4) don’t be hung up on air, it’s not the main thing, your sound and your concept of sound is served by the air not, a result of the air. Before his studies with Jacobs, Bloom thought of breathing and blowing in an explosive manner. With Jacobs he learned to think more circularly with his respiration. Bloom describes what he learned from sitting in front of Adolph “Bud” Herseth and Jacobs (Hummel Trumpet Concerto, Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet, Pictures at an Exhibition). Observations about efficiency, how Jacobs could play with such a huge, resonant sound even while not in good physical condition from battling various illnesses. Tabuteau “Numbering System” and micro-phrasing. David McGill. Discussion of CSO Tours. “Concerts at the Proms were special.” Overall take-away from studying and collaborating with Jacobs: “He gave me a lot more confidence in my low voice. Like many bass clarinet players, I fought the bass clarinet for a while. … I realized working with him and listening to him what a voice it could be. That really changed my approach to loving the bass clarinet. … Sing!”
Jon Boen
Lyric Opera of Chicago Principal Horn, Jon Boen details how in 1996 he developed a serious performance issue, which rendered his high range doubtful, leaving him contemplating the possibility of retirement. Upon the recommendation of Gail Williams, Boen sought out the assistance of Arnold Jacobs in a ninety-minute lesson. The trouble that Boen had developed was due to his orientation, which was on how things felt rather than how they sounded. During the lesson, even though it felt “rough”, Jacobs had Boen playing high concert F’s during that lesson “Chops are tough!” Jacobs told him. That was the pivotal moment for Boen because he was sounding good even though things didn’t feel good. He was able to change the ratio in his thinking from how things felt toward the direction of sound quality. In the lesson, Jacobs instructed Boen to buzz on the mouthpiece on a mid-range concert F and then put the mouthpiece back in the horn and approach the high F in the same manner. Jacobs used the mid-range as a teacher for the upper range.
Richard Brady
Atlanta, Georgia bass trombonist, Richard Brady describes his studies with
Arnold Jacobs. Jacobs put Brady at ease instantly and was able to point out
deficiencies in a non-threatening manner. Jacobs pointed out that Brady was inefficient in his breathing and worked with him to improve it. Later Richard developed an upper-register issue that he took to Jacobs. Jacobs was able to help Richard by putting him through a series of distractions and then had him play the high note, with success. This showed Brady that he could play the note, and that he was over thinking the issue. Keep it simple. Sing while playing. Brady describes an issue wherein he ended up moving his embouchure over slightly due to a dentist miscue with nicking a cranial nerve. He had an upcoming performance of the Franck D Minor Symphony which has a significant high bass trombone passage. Jacobs would often demonstrate buzzing the mouthpiece all over his embouchure with success. This is what Brady remembered and was what he did in order to be able to play the Franck. Jacobs taught the individual not a method. Jacobs engaged each student in conversation in order to determine how they learned and what motivated them. “This is the way it is for you.” Indiana band director who made his trumpet players have gaps put in their two front teeth so as to be like Maynard Ferguson. “It’s not the meat, it’s the music.” CSO Symphony Fantastic story.
Trumpeter Jeff Briggs gives his insight into Mr. Jacobs’ teaching. Briggs came to Jacobs very tight and bound up as a player having gone through an embouchure change at his prior college. Briggs tells how Jacobs and Cichowicz helped him through that difficulty.
Dr Bruce Briney discusses the pedagogical impact of Arnold Jacobs and Vincent Cichowicz. Dr. Briney is professor of trumpet at Western Illinois University, in Macomb.
Dennis Bubert
Forth Worth Symphony bass trombonist, Dennis Bubert, recalls his studies with Arnold Jacobs, which was preceded by lessons with Ed Kleinhammer. Kleinhammer recommended that Bubert seek out lessons with Jacobs. Bubert had a “colorful” initial meeting with Jacobs. Fairly quickly Jacobs zeroed in on Bubert’s breathing and challenged his knowledge about the subject. Once the dust settled, and Bubert was invited to begin playing again he was shocked at how much better he sounded. Bubert was in a daze and bewildered following that initial lesson with what he had just learned. He ended up at a Michigan Avenue McDonald’s wherein he used countless napkins on which he wrote down what he had just experienced. Jacobs actually having limited use of two lungs (not one lung) was discussed. Bubert described how good Jacobs was at getting students to give up approaching the horn with pseudo-function and move toward an honest way of interfacing with the instrument. Training the brain is key to this. One can sound good using a pseudo-function approach until the aging process catches up with them. Use of imagination. The trombone in the hands should be a mirror image of the trombone in the mind. Jacobs was very interested spending time imagining great quality with the instrument in the mind and then applying that to the instrument in the hands. Recounting an oft-used Jacobs technique – “Can you hear Bud playing Pictures? Play it like Bud!” Bubert was initially referred to Jacobs by Kleinhammer because of Bubert’s isometric approach while playing. Jacobs worked to get Bubert to increase the airflow at the lips and (thereby) decrease the air pressure in the mouth. Jacobs demonstrated in the high register for Bubert on his trombone and encouraged him to palpate Jacobs’s abdominal region in order to sense the relaxed state (rather than a tight gut). Mouthpiece buzzing. A big buzzing benefit is connecting the brain with the chops. The switch of “wind and song” TO “song and wind”. We are in an art form and therefore in the business of communicating with others. We should be product oriented rather than physically oriented. Jacobs worked on slide technique one time with Bubert in a non-physical way. In his initial lesson, Jacobs was able to get Bubert to become less analytical in the moment, and more music product oriented. Discussion of physical-focused pedagogy. We need to use the creative powers of the brain much more. When we do things become much more successful and easier. Discussion of similarities between Kleinhammer, Jacobs, and Emory Remington within the topic of relaxation.
NYC trumpeter (Broadway – “If/Then” – and Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular), Bud Burridge, never had any direct lessons with Arnold Jacobs, but he did attend a series of classes given by Jacobs one summer at Northwestern University. Burridge said that those classes were a monumental experience in re-directing his approach to playing the trumpet. Think of the sound. Relax. Use less effort. Play music. Air-flow. Breathe and blow. Keep your thoughts simple. Burridge describes memorable moments in those classes, and also how using Jacobs’ ideas helped him to get through a physical lip injury.
Buzzing Benefits
During the past many months, mouthpiece playing has been the focus of countless discussions, many of them on social media. In this TPTV episode, mouthpiece playing is examined through the words of Mr. Jacobs, and the descriptions of several of his students: Charles Daellenbach, Gail Williams, Lew Soloff, Judith Saxton, Keith Johnson, Greg Irvine, Sondra Bell, and Shawn Campbell. The use of imagination while playing, stylistic development, imitation, and embouchure efficiency are all examined.
Bay Area tuba freelance artist, Forrest Byram shares his experiences with Arnold Jacobs. Byram began his studies in 1971 with an emphasis on developing great tone quality. Jacobs’ vocal background and belief that the “love song” was a great default concept for tone development. Jacobs would sometimes demonstrate that less effort produced more sound. “Strength is your enemy. Weakness is your friend” was an oft-heard phrase from Mr. Jacobs. Byram stressed that Jacobs was an artist, first and foremost. The Tower of TVs in the S. Normal Ave. house is a highlight story, as well as a story of the infamous Solti/CSO/Till Eulenspeigel “tutti run.” Jacobs did not believe in the concept of “warming up” but instead that period of time should have been for getting the good playing habits going. Jacobs stressed being a showman and being a performer whenever in public. Even in private, one can pretend there is an audience to play for in order to develop good habits of performing. Note grouping in round about terms was discussed. Jacobs was known as a “breath” expert, but Jacobs was more interested in music and committed to the student who was in the room with him. A look at a Holton tuba formerly owned by Jacobs is also featured in this episode.
Kansas City Symphony Executive Director, and former US Marine Band tuba section member, Frank Byrne shares his experiences with Jacobs, which began in 1974. Some early advice Byrne received was to play the mouthpiece much more, which encourages strong musical recall, using vowels that promote more air reaching the lips, as well as generally using much more air – in short, “song and wind.” He also describes the various etudes (Arbans, et al) assigned in lessons, of which, many were simple looking but difficult to “pull off” in the manner that Jacobs wanted. Jacobs’ incredibly strong example of the connection from mind to lip (“instant buzz”) is also highlighted. Imitation as a teaching/learning tool is discussed. Byrne is responsible for and producer of the two Summit Records CDs featuring Mr. Jacobs, “Portrait of an Artist” and “Legacy of an Artist”. Both discs are excellent Jacobs pedagogical and performance resources. The extremely elaborate and complex process of their coming in to being is discussed.
Michel Calvayrac
French trumpeter, Michel Calvayrac, describes his journey to Arnold Jacobs’s studio. He had been to study with Tom Stevens and James Stamp earlier. Because of the playing issues Michel was having, Stevens recommended he seek out studies with Cichowicz and Jacobs. For his initial lesson with Jacobs, Michel was forty minutes late. Jacobs advised Michel to breathe and blow more freely, as well as send a good message from the mind into the horn. Reflex response. Jacobs knew so much about the truth of our bodies and minds work. It was several years before Michel fully realized what he had learned. Starting beginners works very well when using the imitation approach. Jacobs used incentive machines in the studio to help Michel develop new, more efficient, reflex responses which led to better sound and musical messaging. Gauges, breathing bag, etc. Michel would use those gadgets to train his air and then apply that type of airflow to his trumpet playing. Don’t play by feel, play by song. Michel compared his studies with Cichowicz and Jacobs. Cichowicz was very precise in his instructions and etude selection. Jacobs was more general in the trumpet-specific repertoire, but more specific in getting Michel to develop good reflex responses. Herseth talked about music. Bruno Walter/Mahler 2nd story. Herseth Haydn Concerto story. The trumpet was part of his body. Thomas Stevens was the same. Discussion of starting beginners…keep it simple, avoid when possible specific instructions for the body. Instead put sound in the mind of the student by playing/demonstrating for them. Much use of imitation. Michel encourages great sound from his students. Motor nerve and receptor/sensory nerve discussion. Suzuki Method for Trumpet discussion. Michel is a certified Suzuki Method brass instructor. Suzuki Method is akin to making musical sound and production the “mother language/mother tongue”. The Suzuki Method and Jacobs’s teaching ideas are very similar because so much of both is based on sound and results. The truth of Jacobs is one needs to have air in motion, and musical image of sound in the mind. Make these into reflex responses (habits) so under the pressures of performance one will play well.
Tucson Symphony hornist, Shawn Campbell recalls her lessons in 1975 with Mr. Jacobs. She was in high school at the time and commuted to Chicago from her home in Detroit. She remembers Jacobs as being very welcoming and calming. He stressed with Campbell that the body knows what to do without any cognitive thought at the body’s component level. This point was made in order to stress that we want to think about the product and not the method or mechanics. Focus on what you want to sound like rather than the how to get there. Jacobs did his usual lung capacity measurement testing. Campbell was about average, but the more important thing is not what one’s capacity is but how efficiently it is used. Jacobs utilized incentive devices while working with her breathing. He wanted her to become more aware of what a quantitative breath felt like. Campbell recalls Jacobs singing along with her quite a bit while she played. Jacobs stressed singing and playing the mouthpiece and then applying both ways of thinking to her horn playing. He wanted her to begin making the connection from the singing portion of the mind to her horn playing. Jacobs told Campbell that we don’t want/need to be thinking about all of the steps in conducting ordinary physical activities. We just want to focus on the product. Avoid paralysis by analysis.
Eric Carlson
Philadelphia Orchestra trombonist, Eric Carlson, talks about his studies with Arnold Jacobs. He did so after he was already in a professional orchestra. Ed Kleinhammer recommended that Carlson seek out Jacobs’s teaching. Carlson described significant struggles with his tongue arching in the back of his mouth. Jacobs approached the problem by encouraging Carlson to keep his abdominal muscles relaxed – “Jelly Belly.” Another issue was tension and tightness in his body. Jacobs encouraged Carlson to go for a great, singing sound as a way to become more relaxed. Imitation is a powerful learning and teaching tool. Jacobs suggested Carlson imagine other great players and imitate them in his own playing. Jacobs didn’t have Carlson sing, but encouraged him to play the mouthpiece a great deal using fun, easy, bouncy tunes (not drill forms). Start your day with some lovely mouthpiece buzzing was Jacobs’s exhortation. Have fun in your “warm-up” (a.k.a. daily routine). Defining the term “warm-up”. Your warm-up is 30 seconds and your daily routine is however long it needs to be. Breathing: regional breathing (abdominal or thoracic). Universal breathing, expansion. Mahler 3rd solo. Audition preparation. Loud sound rounder. Don’t play edgy as a matter of course. Make edge in the sound a musical choice not a default activity. Work less hard. Make it easier. Less loud. Equating a certain sound quality with decibels. Using the decibel meter to help inform a more relaxed approach. Working less hard, going for a good, resonant quality forte actually produces more sound which is captured by the decibel meter. Connecting the memory of what sounded good and what it felt like at the moment to use in as motivation when practicing later. Jacobs used Pottag style etudes to develop musical development, rather than excerpts with Carlson. Aging process! Growing old gracefully. Develop excellent breathing habits when you are young so that when you enter your 40s you’ll have the air necessary to continue playing well. Protecting the ends of your phrases. Funny story about tuning – third position on the slide being an inch and a half out of place. As one blows the air more efficiently and relaxed the pitch tends to drop. But Carlson didn’t adjust the slide position and so was having problems with note accuracy. Standing on one leg and knee bends to distract Carlson with certain excerpt phobias (Brahms 1, etc.). Using mouthpiece buzzing to serve as a distraction, to go through the back door of the mind to achieve success (rather than confronting the issue head on). The most successful approach to teaching (and learning) a brass instrument is through analogy and simplification of instruction, because so much of what we do is not visible. Vowel sounds and their regional affectations. Engage the control panel of the mind. Go for the product not the method.
Orlando Philharmonic principal tubist and former NASA engineer, Robert Carpenter discusses his time studying with Arnold Jacobs at Northwestern University. Carpenter was initially exposed to Jacobs’ pedagogy from his tuba teacher in Orlando, Russ Ward. He had an initial lesson with Jacobs while still in high school. Having a lesson with Mr. Jacobs was like “plugging into a super-computer.” Carpenter said that Jacobs would give him subliminal messages while he was playing in the lesson. Jacobs talked to Carpenter the most about making music than he did about physical things, but some of the physical things he did mention had to do with air flow. Getting more air to the lips. In the subsequent five years of study with Jacobs, Carpenter says Jacobs talked much about vision. Having a long view of where one was going with their playing. Knowing what one was trying to say in their musical story. Jacobs never talked about how to be a great tuba player but how to be a great musician able to play interesting phrases. Note grouping in musical phrasing was discussed. Jacobs knew that Carpenter’s air capacity was below average and so Jacobs advised him how to utilize note grouping (sub or micro phrasing) in order to bring the phrase alive. Micro phrasing offers the player a potential place to breathe. Turn weaknesses into strengths. Every note you play let that teach your next note. Everything should better. Aging process. Spending time warming up. “We learned from him at a certain time in our lives. That was a time when I could do things in a certain way that maybe I cannot do in that same way now.” Jacobs was a super genius. He kept up with so much in the latest research on so many subjects. Jacobs would engage Carpenter in scientific discussions. Respiratory “S” curve. “Live in the linear region of your breath.” Jacobs mostly talked about music. Free buzzing. Jacobs advocated mouthpiece buzzing and singing, but not free buzzing. Jacobs was concerned that free buzzing wouldn’t necessarily ruin a player, but there were/are risks associated with it so just avoid it. Carpenter does do several seconds of free buzzing daily as part of his daily routine. Listen to great music. Play what you hear. Jacobs always encouraged Carpenter to have a purpose and vision when he played. “He taught me to be a great musician who plays the tuba, not how to be a good tuba player.” Carpenter described Jacobs sound up close. “It was gritty and ugly and…” He was able to copy that in a lesson much to Jacobs satisfaction. Don’t get rid of a bad habit but replace it, or over lay it with a good habit. Jacobs sound up close was akin to an actor’s stage makeup. Alex Nevsky / Fritz Reiner / Chicago Symphony. Kanstul Tuba. Carpenter (along with Tom Treece) developed the current Kanstul 5/4 York style tuba.
Brass legend, Dale Clevenger shares his memories of working with Arnold Jacobs in the Chicago Symphony. He talks about what he learned from Jake and what Jake brought to the CSO. Clevenger also recounts what it was like for him when he started with the orchestra fitting in between Herseth and Jacobs. Clevenger describes the unique quality of Jacobs’ immediate tone and its projection. Additionally, Mr. Clevenger chats about various recording companies and some of the recordings he was a part of with the CSO.
Grant Park Orchestra Principal Trombonist, Daniel Cloutier, discusses his lessons and seminars with Arnold Jacobs beginning in 1988. Cloutier was having trouble with fatigue issues in loud sustained playing, which Jacobs resolved for him in a few minutes. Dan also shared his experience sitting next to his two other teachers, Frank Crisafulli and Charles Vernon in an opportunity to sub in the CSO.
Trumpet artist and teacher, Glenda Cloutier describes what drew her to Mr. Jacobs for a lesson in the 1980s. She had heard Jacobs say things about female brass players that was an encouragement to her. During the lesson, Jacobs suspected that Glenda may have been suffering from sub-clinical asthma because she wasn’t able to blow the air out of her lungs at a rate he would have associated with a perfectly healthy person. Cloutier appreciated Jacobs’ support he gave her in the lesson and believed it to be very helpful to her psyche going forward. Glenda states that what she learned about air in that single lesson has threaded itself throughout her career as a performer and teacher. In the second segment, Cloutier discusses the need for a good inhalation to be successful as a trumpeter. Playing from fullness of air is crucial. Start from fullness rather than half-fullness (point of repose) in order to keep away from unnecessary tension.
Adele Condreay
Former hornist, Adele Condreay shares her experiences with Mr. Jacobs as an aspiring musician as well as how she uses his pedagogy in her current profession in the financial services sector. She was first drawn to Mr. Jacobs’ in 1983/84 studio following her master’s year with another teacher, which left her with playing difficulties. Jacobs put her together as both a person and a player. She was initially very locked up as a player and a person so Jacobs spent a lot of time having her talk, sing, and buzz the mouthpiece. He helped her to re-establish a relaxed approach by avoiding the horn altogether and developing new habits which she then was able to apply to the horn. Jacobs had her spend much time conceptualizing what she wanted to sound like. It was a year of this “back to basics” focus before she was able to do have some success on the horn. She did have immediate results in each lesson, it was just during the intervening periods of time where the results would fade. Over time, though, the improvements began to become more consistent, and took hold. Jacobs continued to help Condreay to focus her thoughts on the product, to imagine excellence and then copy. Exaggerate just enough. Jacobs taught her how to economize on her air supply. He would help her to go further into her imagination as her level of embouchure discomfort increased in the lesson. Singing. Imitation. Hear vocalists in the thoughts and copy them. She discussed her role as an organizational effectiveness consultant and how Arnold Jacobs’ pedagogy has guided her in the financial services sector. Systems theory. All parts are inter-connected. Product over process. She believes that Jacobs’ principles are timeless and are applicable to all settings in life. The brain works on percentages. The more you do it the better you get. Arnold Jacobs was different with every student because each student had different needs. The same factor is relevant in organizational effectiveness. Patch Adams analogy. Context is key. Did you hit all of the right notes?
Jacobs taught us beyond the “four fingers”, beyond the bottom line. He taught beyond the “check boxes” and encouraged us to look to the intangibles. Jacobs taught context, which encompassed the “four fingers” and “check boxes”, but went beyond those tangible items and into the creatively intangible realm.
Beginning in 1967 legendary tubist, Floyd Cooley began his 31-year association with Arnold Jacobs. Mr. Cooley describes his initial lesson encounters with Jacobs; double vibrations, a more balanced ratio of air-flow to air pressure were on the docket. He said Jacobs quickly identified him as an “F tuba player” and worked with Cooley to approach the CC tuba more from the contrabass side and less like a bass tuba. Cooley illustrated the good fortune he had of having the opportunity to observe 75 lessons of other Jacobs students. Mr. Cooley talked about a class he teaches, teaching students to teach, and how he was influenced by Jacobs to do so. Cooley remarked that students want to study with performers not music educators, so teaching performers to be effective teachers is important. Floyd also shared a few choice remembrances of Bud Herseth.
Retired Indianapolis Symphony Principal Tubist, Daniel Corrigan, shares some memories of his time spent in Chicago as a student studying with Arnold Jacobs (beginning in 1951), as well as his performing experiences with the Chicago Symphony under Fritz Reiner.
John Cvenjanovich
Longtime Chicago trumpet artist, John Cvenjanovich (JC) describes for TPTV his two distinct periods of study with Arnold Jacobs: 1957-1962 & 1992-1998. During the latter period, JC served as Jacobs’s twice-weekly driver to the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, where Jacobs taught lessons. Vincent Cichowicz recommended JC see Jacobs during a period of time when JC was working on a difficult Bach cantata trumpet part. During JC’s initial lesson with Jacobs, Jacobs gave a very detailed series of physiological reasons why JC was having difficulty – Boyles Law, playing while in the lower quadrant of the pulmonary curve, Beurnolli Principle, isometric contractions triggering the Valsalva maneuver. Inspite of all that, JC was able to display glimmers of artistry. He encouraged JC to strive to connect air with the lips, rather than air to the tongue. Jacobs worked on stressing the vowel while diminishing the stress of the consonant in JC’s playing. Air and buzz. JC had success with this approach. JC also had informal lessons with Jacobs during numerous car rides to Chicago Symphony concerts in Highland Park, IL. Then during the 90’s JC began driving Jacobs twice-weekly to the Fine Arts Building. JC would have the last lesson of the day in return for serving as Jacobs’s chauffeur. Jacobs sometimes had JC sit in on the lessons of others. Jacobs thought it would be helpful to certain students for there to be an audience present. Play in a manner that you are issuing statements rather than asking questions. Tell a story. Play for an audience, even if there is not one present. One has to have a strong mental image of how one wants to sound. Emphasize the instrument in the mind. The instrument in the hands should be a mirror image of the one in the mind. Always strive to make your first note out of the case of strong performance quality. You want to communicate always, and with music it is communication in an art form. Jacobs stressed in his teaching accessing the control panel of the brain rather than attempting to control the various physical aspects of playing at the component level. Make focus on communication the main thing. JC documents that there were a few people who would intentionally play poorly to see if they could somehow stump Jacobs. JC described how the medical terminology usage in early exposure to Jacobs had evolved to the simple idea of “song and wind” with the emphasis on the song. Let the lower notes teach the upper notes. Blow more freely, from the lips. Sometimes on the topic of using a thinker column of air, Jacobs used the analogy of violin bow width versus a viola and/or cello/bass bow width. Habits begin like cobwebs and end in iron chains. Old habits don’t ever completely go away. They can, however, recede into the darkness of the mind as they are replaced by new (hopefully) better habits. Let the excellent notes teach the less excellent ones. Think about how they sound and then imitate/copy them. Always play as a musician, an artist. Repetition of artistry is key. Habits are build through repetition. Path through the grass lawn analogy. Habits cannot be broken, only replaced through repetition. Blow from the front of the lips not to the tongue. “Beautiful Sounds” study from the Hal Leonard Advanced Band Method book. Don’t play it as notes, play it as music. Play it for an imaginary audience. We want to always be communicating, always telling a story. Sing. Buzz. Play. This was the key to the student sounding so much better at the end of the lesson than at the beginning. Solfege. JC demonstrates several examples of the lower octave teaching the upper octave. Notes within an octave have some similar air-flow. Lower notes can teach upper notes effectively when they are within an octave. Jacobs’s pedagogy changed so the student could grasp his concepts more quickly, and to develop the singing in the head approach. JC briefly describes his time studying with Carmine Caruso. Jacobs always pointed out examples of people to emulate and imitate. While playing don’t ask questions, play as if issuing statements. “Is this it?” versus “This is it!!” We want the musical imagination to come alive so ink spots on the page turn into sound in the mind. JC describes his application of Jacobs’s pedagogy in the band room as a music educator. JC discusses the affect that Herseth had on Jacobs. Jacobs told JC that Herseth was his inspiration and influence for his teaching to ponder how was Herseth able to play so accurately, musically, and easily. What was Herseth doing that made him so consistent, pondered Jacobs? JC believed that Herseth and Jacobs talked pedagogical “shop” a fair amount, especially on CSO trip bus rides. They discussed training the mind. JC shared a moment he observed on a bus ride watching Jacobs and Herseth talking, but also while Herseth was mentally practicing Petrouchka.
In part one, Canadian Brass co-founder and tubist, Chuck Daellenbach, describes his first encounter with Arnold Jacobs in 1962 at the Gunnison, Colorado Music Camp. His studies continued while in college even though he was enrolled at Eastman as a student of Donald Knaub. Completing his 44th season with Canadian Brass, Chuck talks about what he learned from Jacobs that has allowed him to enjoy such a extensive and successful career. Daellenbach also shared a story about a time when Canadian Brass took a group lesson with Jacobs. Also, just the act of a phone conversation with Jacobs was terrifically encouraging and helpful just to hear Jacobs’ voice but to also get a quick consult. Daellenbch also points out that Jacobs taught a specific curriculum to the student in front of him at the moment, sharing information and ideas specific to that person. Daellenbach also discusses the great motivational aspects of Jacobs’ teaching, and the courage he gave the student to take their own talents and share with others through the music. Through the activity of running (building up an oxygen deprivation), Daellenbach, in a Canadian Brass master class video, demonstrates a great breath through normal activities rather than developing what is so often an “affected” breath for use in music. Buzzing and staying relaxed is also discussed.
In part two, Canadian Brass co-founder and tubist, Chuck Daellenbach, describes several stories centered on Mr. Jacobs’ South Normal Avenue house, where Daellenbach took his lessons. He shares his observations of Jacobs as a teacher of non-tubist musicians. Embouchure, how important is it to focus on it? Jacobs’ mouthpiece buzzing tone was greatly admired by Daellenbach. Over the four and a half decades of traveling the world with Canadian Brass, Chuck gave his opinion on Jacobs’ global effect on altering the course of brass playing. Stories about the CSO Brass Quintet when Renold Schilke was a member are shared. Gene Watts’ and Fred Mills’ experiences as employees at the Schilke factory are conveyed by Daellenbach. The story about the origin of the famous 1978 Schilke gold-plated Canadian Brass instruments is told. Chuck talks about the development of the Canadian Brass Arnold Jacobs mouthpiece, and the (very brief) direct-to-disc technology that Canadian Brass utilized to record Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. Time is spent talking about brass repertoire, and the amazing brass talent pool that is currently available.
Indianapolis Symphony principal French hornist, Rob Danforth talks about his period of study with Arnold Jacobs.
Bob Dorer & Ron Hasselman
Minnesota Orchestra Trumpeters Bob Dorer and Ron Hasselman (retired), discuss their studies with Arnold Jacobs. Hasselman began his studies with Jacobs in 1951. Hasselman was impressed with Jacobs’s articulate nature. His first lesson included work out of early Arban study. Jacobs had him use more air and to get more of the air to the lips (using less tongue). In 1986, Bob’s first lesson was somewhat similar to Hasselman’s: Have less pressure, and don’t force the sound (more air, less explosive articulation). Jacobs used the Inspiron incentive spirometer, and had Dorer play his mouthpiece into the device. Be a fine singer. Set high standards in the mind. Dorer said he played better simply by hearing Jacobs sing. With Hasselman, Jacobs used a device to help objectify the air pressure vs. the air flow. He encouraged Ron to use “Huu” as an articulation trainer (“Let the HUU teach the Tuu to become tUU), as well as “kUU”. One lesson was when Bob was a member of the Sarasota orchestra, for which the duties included playing in a brass quintet. Bob had just finished a three hour BQ rehearsal when Jacobs said he was available to see Bob. Jacobs noticed that Bob was forcing a somewhat. Jacobs also mentioned that playing small often is common in chamber group ensemble brass players. Even though Bob was somewhat fatigued, through better air flow and musical conception/imitation, Jacobs was able to get Dorer to play the opening Promenade from Pictures better than Bob had ever done before. Use a lot of air. Analogously, think Mack Truck fuel line rather than a VW fuel line. Discussion of back pressure. Have one trumpet in your hands and one trumpet in your mind. Let the trumpet in the mind teach the trumpet in the hands. Imitate great artists as you are playing (e.g. Andre, Herseth). Don’t force the air, use a lot of air. Jacobs advised Dorer to make his lower register as low air pressure as possible so as to help keep the upper octaves from reaching too high of intra-oral air pressures (IOAP). Jacobs claimed that the IOAP rate would double with each octave (or thereabouts). The lower the IOAP could be developed for the bottom octave, the lower the potential IOAP could be for each successive higher octave. If the IOAP was relatively high for the lowest octave, the IOAP would become needlessly high as the player ascended. Bob was playing in the lower register with an upper register approach, where IOAP was concerned. Be conceptual and story-telling when playing. Be analytical when teaching. Don’t mix up those two “hats”. At subsequent lessons, ease of playing and sound concepts were covered. One particularly successful moment was when Jacobs expressed frustration toward Bob, which caused Bob to become flustered which resulted in success. Ron discussed how Jacobs worked with him on developing a great concept of sound in the mind. Ron sang and played the mouthpiece. Jacobs used an anesthesia breathing bag with Ron to help him become more aware of how much air he could put into his lungs. Jacobs had Bob play Pop Goes the Weasel on the mouthpiece. Jacobs encouraged Bob to think of his air as buoyant and for his air column like a fountain holding up a ball. Keep the ball floating. Ron mentioned Jacobs would sometimes use a match flame at varied distances from the embouchure as an incentive for the air flow, mimicking lower to upper register playing. Bob shared a phone call he had with Jacobs during which Bob asked for advice on how to approach a student who was playing way off to the side of his embouchure. Sibilant “S” exercise to help get the tongue position lower. “Air monitor” fingers at the lips while inhaling. Ron told a story of Herseth studying with Jimmy Greco, the then principal trumpeter of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Victoria, B.C. tubist, Eugene Dowling describes what drew him to study with Arnold Jacobs: “That sound.” Dowling’s initial lesson took place at the same time as Neal Armstrong’s first walk on the moon, which meant Jacob’s attention was both on Dowling and the astronaut. Dowling talks about how Jacobs would effect positive change in the student through the introduction of “strangeness” via gadgets, and meters, and Christmas tree lights, etc. Mouthpiece buzzing was something that Jacobs focused on with Dowling, as well as taking in more air and then using it. Jacobs often preferred using the York CC tuba in repertoire that is today often played on a bass tuba. Jacobs encouraged Dowling to let the lower notes teach the upper notes. Bring the concepts from lower notes and apply them to middle and upper notes. The human ear is drawn to extremes of range – low or high – but not so much in the middle range. Richard Ely. The tape recorder in the mind. The tuba in the hands should be a reflection of the tuba in the mind. Re-telling of the Dee Stewart Summit Brass mouthpiece buzzing story. Jacobs had many students from around the world coming to his studio. Jacobs was very thoughtful in his approach with his students. Jacobs realized that he was the only one in the world who had all of the combination of information (world-class musician with a medical doctor’s knowledge of human beings), so he would give thought as to whether or not his teaching was going in the right direction. Hearing the note/pitch a split-second prior to playing it on the tuba. Use your ear to help get all of the notes right on the instrument. Sofeggio. Early on Jacobs would have Dowling buzz not only melodies but drill forms. But Jacobs would also establish and develop the use of imagination via buzzing in very stylistic convincing ways. Tuba players need to play more melodies than drills to learn to “accompany in excellence.” Jacobs’ main goal was to create the artist. The mouthpiece and horn were merely ways to get there. Dowling tells the story of the 1973 International Tuba Symposium about how Jacobs dazzled people with his sheer musicianship and artistry. Jacobs was always working on a recital, though he didn’t give them very often. Jacobs knew that he needed the challenge of more sophisticated music if he was to keep developing his artistry. He told his tuba students, limited challenges of accompanimental parts lead to a limited musician. Dowling had the opportunity to play the 2nd tuba part in Rite of Spring with Jacobs. One particular low A demonstration by Jacobs grabbed the attention of the CSO at a Ravinia rehearsal. Strength is an enemy. Weakness is a friend. Dowling describes his time studies with Leonard Falcone. Roestta, Italy was the home of Falcone and Mr. Jacobs’ teacher at Curtis, Phillip Donatelli. Dowling said Jacobs was well trained and fearless, likely from his extensive time with Fritz Reiner at Curtis and in the Chicago Symphony.
Indiana University Professor of Trombone, Peter Ellefson discusses the pedagogical influence of Arnold Jacobs, in general, and in regard to his own lesson experiences with Jacobs. “Jacobs was as efficient with his words as he was with his playing.” Jacobs was able to zero in on the main issue in Ellefson’s playing right away – segmentation/double vibration. Jacobs told Ellefson that he was protecting his high register. Jacobs gave him a series of studies to practice which helped reverse this by encouraging the “lower notes to teach the upper notes.” By implementing Jacobs’ recommendations the segmentation went away. Discussion ensued of Ellefson’s series of teachers beginning with his father, who was also his high school band director, Warren Baker at Linfield College, Frank Crisafulli at Northwestern, Joseph Alessi in 1986 at Ravinia, but then in earnest in 1999 at the first Alessi Seminar. Public school teacher, doctoral studies at IU with Dee Stewart, and the Seattle Symphony were in the interim. Ellefson gives advice to younger players coming up, and pays tribute to Dee Stewart, Carl Lenthe, Dale Clevenger, and Dan Perantoni. “Work effort does not necessarily equal decibels.”
Richard Erb
Retired New Orleans bass trombonist, Richard Erb began studies with Arnold Jacobs in 1967 and continued for several decades taking his final lesson in 1996. He was referred to Jacobs by his New Orleans Symphony tuba colleague, Ross Tolbert. Erb said he owes whatever success he had in his career to Mr. Jacobs. His first set of lessons with Jacobs taught him that what he had learned from his prior teachers was physically incorrect, based in pedagogical “parroting” tradition rather than in how the body and mind actually works. Jacobs understood that playing is two-fold – 1) It is a craft, and 2) an art. Craft is related to the relationship between the body and the instrument (“machine”), while art is in the conceptual arena of one’s thoughts. Erb discusses the prevailing 19th century brass pedagogy which was in vogue when he was a student, prior to his studies with Jacobs. The difference between opposing force muscle versus sphincter muscles. Strength is your enemy, weakness is your friend. Rigidity of the breathing apparatus is your enemy, while mobility of same is your friend. Nerve connections in the abdominal cavity, Valsalva maneuver is discussed. Bearing down is voluntary, but stopping that bearing down or release is not so easily controlled. Remington warm-up. Within his first few lessons with Jacobs the bearing down habit had been replaced with a new (better) habit. Jacobs explained the nature of atmospheric pressure in the room and atmospheric pressure inside the body/lungs could be the same. Keep the airway open. Jacobs taught that attack/articulation on a brass instrument is caused by a rhythmic beginning of air. Air flow in a specific point in time, whereas other teachers would describe an attack as an event that the tongue initiates, and that if you want to be “on time” you have to tongue on time. This is demonstrably not true. What you hear is not the noise made by the tongue but the air connecting to the lips. “Do it all wrong, but just sound great, I don’t care.” – Jacobs. Erb said that Jacobs attributed great players who did it “wrong” to their great conceptual imagery. In the end, to Jacobs it didn’t matter how you did it so long as you sounded great. If the student wasn’t sounding great then Jacobs would begin investigating what should/could be corrected. Erb commented on how Jacobs mentioned how he would approach Erb’s curriculum differently if he were a weekly student – it would have involved very few gadgets and been focused on singing and musically focused thoughts. Erb talked about how Jacobs modified Erb’s embouchure without Erb even being aware of it. Erb encountered an issue about three weeks after and Jacobs fixed the problem without Erb knowing specifically what Jacobs had done other than he knew that he was presented with a musical challenge to get back on track. As you learn the music you’ll learn the instrument, but the opposite is not always true. Poor practice habits won’t make you better the more you do them. You’ll only get worse. You should only play as long as you can hear it. A brass instrument is not a piano or violin. One should hear the sound in the mind while playing. Erb gave up his six hour daily practice routine in favor of less time but more mentally involved and focused. The brain works on percentages. Bad habits cannot be broken, only replaced with better ones. The human mind doesn’t see in negative – “don’t smoke” “don’t touch that”. Jacobs’ teaching style changed in terms of his adaptation to the people in the room with him. He was able to communicate with the continuing new generations of students who sought him out. His research was done earlier in his life. Anatomy is what it is, so the information wasn’t necessarily new or evolved, but the style in which the info was delivered evolved with the student in his studio. Medical jargon use is discussed. The art never was replaced by the craft. The opposite. The music will always make you play. You can’t be the student and the teacher at the same time. The 19th Century voice pedagogy misapplication on brass players. Jacobs dragged brass pedagogy into the 20th century. Fergus McWilliam book, Blow Your Horn. Gregory Irvine book, Arnold Jacobs’ Legacy: Sound Advice for Developing Brass Players. Philip Catelinet, for whom the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto was written, and who was one of Erb’s earlier teachers. Discussion of Jacobs’ use of music to address issues in Erb’s playing.
Jay Evans
Alabama Symphony Principal Trombonist, Jay Evans discusses his studies with Arnold Jacobs. Jacobs by-passed the usual lung measurements and went right to work with Evans and focusing on his thinking, working with his mind. Jacobs did much conceptual suggestions in order to get Evans to become more relaxed and get into the style of the music. Jacobs was able to get Evans to think about what he was trying to accomplish conceptually. Jacobs encouraged Evans to pair words with notes in the music he was playing to get his thoughts off of the mechanics and put them on the music itself. Singing the words in the mind while playing the trombone. Jacobs knew using words would help to bring Evans’ focus back to the music and leave less room for nerves to take over during pressure settings. Evans also described the Tabuteau “number system” that Jacobs discussed in his lessons. The music style should determine your breath. Evans talks about his one lesson with Edward Kleinhammer.
David Fedderly shares his insights into the Marcel Tabuteau sub-phrasing system, Mr. Jacobs’ pedagogical evolution, as well as his first impressions of Mr. Jacobs’ sound.
Chicago Chamber Brass founder and tubist, Richard Frazier, shares how the clarinetist, Ralph Wilder recommended Frazier study with Arnold Jacobs. Tone development was a subject of his initial set of lessons. To control articulation use established patterns of speech. “Use a tiny tongue” and “Spring-load your playing for the openness of the vowel rather than the closing of the consonant” were memorable “Jakeisms” for Frazier. “If you try to control the tongue it will become an unruly beast” and “Dominance of your thoughts through the art form of music” left Richard feeling happy upon hearing Jacobs say those phrases. Generosity, elegance of speech, manners, and character were hallmarks of Jacobs’ personality, as recalled by Frazier. Jacobs was interested in his students as people. Frazier shared a private moment about Jacobs foretelling his death. Jacobs’ desire to have 90% of the mental focus to be on the song aspect of playing and 10% on the wind (breath) was mentioned. Phrasing (sub or micro) based upon Jacobs’ studies with Marcel Tabuteau at Curtis is discussed at length. Brass pedagogy based upon individual experience versus the Jacobs approach, which was centered on the facts of human physiology and physchology is covered in this episode. Jacobs advocated for a music school curriculum to include acting and solfeggio. Frazier said that Jacobs’ teaching success was based in getting the student to find and focus on simplicity – song & wind. Free buzzing, tonguing, emphasis on vowel over consonant are all considered by Frazier. References to the motion picture The Music Man lead character, Professor Harold Hill’s “Think System” is mentioned.
Arnold Jacobs student, historian, author, and all-things Jacobs curator, Brian Frederiksen describes his studies with, and assistance to Mr. Jacobs. Frederiksen was Jake’s assistant during the annual Northwestern University summer session master classes, as well as classes “off-campus” (e.g. University of Oregon, Florida State University, etc.).
Henry Fogel, retired President of the Chicago Symphony and current Dean of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, discusses his observations of the “Chicago Sound” and the contributions to it that Arnold Jacobs and Adolph Herseth made.
Jay Friedman, CSO principal trombonist, talks about his 25 years of collaboration with Arnold Jacobs in the Chicago Symphony, as well as the development of the “Chicago Brass” sound.