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F.A.Q.-- Dr. Berp answers the most
Frequenly Asked Questions about the
BERP
How does the BERP help me play
better?
Buzzing the mouthpiece exposes what you're doing or not
doing with your air and embouchure. A good buzz on the BERP
translates into a great sound on the horn. The BERP makes
buzzing efficient and relevant by recreating the resistance
of the instrument and allowing you to finger the valves or
move the slide to the pitch your buzzing. The BERP can show
you how to fix your sound before it gets amplified by the
mouthpiece and instrument.
Should I use it as a "warm-up"?
Yes, it's a great warm-up because it gets the air going
right away. It's also valuable throughout the practice
session to fix problems and get you back on track. Try it as
a quick way to focus the air before a performance and a way
to get things back together after a hard playing
session.
How can I use the BERP for a quiet
practice session? I can't always play full volume and I
don't like the alternatives of stuffy practice mutes and
expensive electronic systems.
Great question! First of all, I agree that practice mutes
and expensive electronic devices of all kinds should be
avoided because of their unnatural and damaging resistance.
I have come up with a quiet routine you can do using the
BERP which will result in a beneficial practice session.
Buzzing on the BERP with the energy that you normally play
forte on your instrument creates a sound that is the
equivalent of a large bee flying around the room. Your lips
are getting a normal workout with resistance similar to
playing on the horn. You should alternate loud and soft
BERPing of your normal practice routine. You can then put
the mouthpiece back on the horn and play very softly
(something we never do enough of), alternating that with
BERPing. Now you have a great routine for after the kids go
to bed, in the hotel room, or while watching a great movie
with dialogue you want to hear and all this for less than
$20.00!
When I buzz on the mouthpiece alone, I
get too open and stiff and my sound suffers. What's the
difference with playing on the BERP?
There are many reasons why the BERP is more beneficial. When
you buzz with the BERP while holding the instrument, you are
at the same angle as when you play, and you tend not to use
unnecessary pressure. The resistance dial will keep you from
getting too open. The new clamp-on design will make it
easier to go back and forth between buzzing and playing
which is essential to keeping the sound free. You should
also remember not to always buzz loudly.
Is the BERP just for more mature
players?
No! It's for everyone at all levels. It is the most
efficient way to start beginning brass players, and to keep
young players focused on what is important. Our professional
performer and teacher endorsement list is so impressive
because they know the BERP works!
Why should I finger the valves or move
the slide while buzzing on the BERP?
It's great ear training! The brain makes the connection
between hearing the pitch and matching the valve combination
or slide position to it. Additionally, it is crucial in
teaching the concept of what makes notes change which is the
action of the air and embouchure not wiggling your fingers
or moving your arm.
How come it doesn't work, a) in the
high register, b) in the low register, c) in-between
registers, d) etc.?
Sorry! The BERP works great in all registers, with no gaps.
It's you that's not working great. But the good news is that
you own the tool that will help you fix those problems.
Can I use the Ultimate BERP without
clamping it on the horn? For instance, in the car on the way
to a gig?
Sure, just a few words of caution however. I have found that
when I've done that I tend to use more pressure than usual
to keep in contact with the lips which results in more wear
and tear before I get to the gig. Make sure your suspension
is in great shape and avoid pot holes or your embouchure
will pay the price! Remember the greatest benefits are
derived from putting it on the horn, but we're all for any
constructive uses. I had a friend who attached a BERP to the
end of a seven iron for me to use on the golf course while
waiting to hit my approach shot. Complaints were heard from
the green about a noisy bee in the area!
I don't feel the same way when I BERP
as when I play on the instrument. It seems like more work on
the BERP. How can that be helping me?
Let me ask you some questions. Does a baseball player just
practice hitting home runs? Does he use a weighted bat in
the game? Does a sprinter only run 100 meters at a time? If
a runner trains with weights attached to his leg, does it
help when he takes them off to run the race? The BERP makes
you work harder so when you get on the horn playing is
easier, better, and more efficient.
Playing a brass instrument is a physical activity which
we hope through hard work to create into a musical
experience. The more we understand, the easier it will be to
create the correct physical feeling for maximum performance.
Analysis does not have to become paralysis. With the proper
perspective it is a means to an end. The BERP is an
efficient and essential tool in that process.
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