I previously gave it a review and am using this to update my initial review as it doesn't appear I can change it. There has been a lack of a comprehensive review that involves cross training between bass and contrabass tubas. As professional tubists, we often have to go between horns on gigs and at auditions, so it is important to be able to go back and forth between horns and the ability to do this first thing in the day ensures both horns are used. There are a wide variety of exercises from tone, lip slurs, and control exercises at various tempos with entertaining and engaging backing tracks to make the routine fun while honing into pitch and rhythmic accuracy.
My big caveat is the lack of portability and that the product is intended for iPad users, which I am not. After my initial review, Ilan contacted me about the updated website that has the backing tracks where I can play. Though some of the tracks do not match up, Ilan is actively working on fixing it.
My only reason for 4 stars over 5 is the portability option. I have a couple programs that I am at where I get zero internet service on my phone or computer, and I could use the tracks to warm up on the horn I bring for the day. However, unless I have good internet reception, I am unable to use the product--and I feel the best part of the routine for tubists is the ability to play with a drone, since one of our primary functions is to lock in the pitch. I do realize the cost of producing a CD and the potential issue with piracy by making the links downloadable to create a playlist might be cost prohibitive for edge case scenarios like mine, however having portability without internet is crucial for when playing at rest areas or when traveling for an audition. Kudos to Ilan for providing helpful materials and the willingness to work on the continued improvement of his products.
Incredible mute! Have not played on a mute that is so open and even across all registers until this one! Looks incredible and plays like a dream!
The composition is great. However, the engraving is sloppy. More attention to detail is necessary. Dynamics are not vertically aligned, some measures are too wide while others are to small making the notation hard to read. Also, multi-measure rests should be used more often. There were none in this piece and it could have used some. I had an issue with the file and I contacted customer service. The issue was resolved quickly, so the customer service was great!
Ilan and Jarrett have produced a fantastic library of exercises here for the reference of any aspiring tubist. The book is well-structured to aid the transition between C tuba and F tuba in a daily routine, helping to bridge the contra bass/bass tuba gap.
There’s something here for anyone, whether for getting back in shape, honing in on fine detail goals, or all around for getting a sense of how several gifted pro players go about structuring their routines. And if you’re like me, you’ve struggled for years to develop a consistent routine, that you can come back to again and again and not get bored with. Having this resource to flip open means I can let the book do the work of guiding my practice while I focus on my body and my sound.
I’d recommend it to anyone!
Jim Andrus
Principal Tuba,
Boulder Philharmonic
Professor of Tuba,
Utah Valley University
University of Utah
