Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind by Brian Frederiksen, is a book about the life and teaching of the legendary American tubist.
Jacobs, who is feted in the US as one of the greatest brass teachers ever, doesn't appear to have the same amount of recognition in the UK.
The book was first recommended to me by my teacher when I was about sixteen. I was riveted and read it twice. It literally changed my playing technique overnight, and six years later I haven't changed it much since.
Apart from the very interesting story of Jacobs' life, the book sets out his philosophy towards brass playing. It simplifies the fundamentals and demystifies some of the less well understood aspects of of brass playing. The book is available from Warwick Music for £24.95.
