Feeling some confusion pertaining to the B.E.R.P. I have heard several arguments against the use of the B.E.R.P., the most educated of which has been made by Sam Burtis, a trombonist in NYC. Quoting his column "Letters From New York"
http://trombone.org/articles/library....
"Both extremely low practice (long tones) and buzzing (with or without the mouthpiece) can be used to find and develop a strong point of resistance AT THE LIPS. Once this has been developed, one can play larger and less resistant equipment, if so desired, without losing range or endurance. Using a mute to produce those sub-pedals is counter-productive to this end (as is mouthpiece buzzing with a finger partially stopping up the end, or using one of the artificial B.E.R.P. type resistance providers, in my view). It's certainly EASIER to do these things with artificial resistances, but the benefits are much less.
....PLEASE don't use B.E.R.P. or any OTHER resistance aid. (Yes, I know it's easier, it just isn't BETTER.)"
Coming from obviously educated musicians who have studied and played and in hundreds of different settings, I think they know what they are talking about. But then there are the thousands of other proficient, highly successful, and articulate players that use the contraption extensively to their advantage. What are you views on this? I have had little (and slow paced) success with either the BERPLess method or the BERP. How can I maximize results with/without the B.E.R.P. and what excersises should I be performing?
