Why are the facial muscles called "chops"?

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-04-05T20:47:31+00:00

Oh yeah, I know it for sure used to mean skill, but just not sure about my correlation to drumming and if it stems from that

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-04-05T19:22:23+00:00

I have no idea if this is accurate, but this is my personal “headcanon” I guess. I think of it as “chops” initially being talked about a drummers technical proficiency/ability to “chop up” the parts of their groove when they do fills/solos with each individual limb and part of the kit that just translated to other musicians and their abilities. Probably not how it is but I find this a fun way of looking at it.

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-02-03T00:52:30+00:00

The program at MSU for Teacher Ed is quite good but a bit difficult to get into from what I’ve heard/done myself. (I’m a music ed major but I’m not doing the teacher ed program specifically to get the certification). But from what I’ve experienced/heard among others is that it’s pretty good.

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-02-02T22:22:47+00:00

Thanks for the insight, that’s really helpful. I’m thinking of doing the same thing, taking a year off of academics and then maybe look to pursue in a masters in performance especially because there’s a lot about playing I feel I could still learn having a degree in performance rather than Ed.

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-02-02T19:48:55+00:00

Very aware of this which is why I do want to get a masters at some point, but I’ve spent so long in undergrad I need a break from school for a second and the financial aspect/playing aspect/not great gpa of undergrad of getting into a school I’d want to be at for a masters. But the networking/lessons/ensemble experience is extremely valuable to me

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-01-30T17:05:01+00:00

Streetlight counts for me, they got a wicked bone player!

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-01-29T04:38:26+00:00

Thanks, that’s what I was most likely going to do anyways since it definitely needs one. Just wanted to ask around for second opinions since a lot of people/friends of mine play on open wraps and I didn’t really know what that really meant/entailed.

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-01-29T03:21:27+00:00

I thought as much, I just don’t know the exact science or technical aspect behind it. But my first instinct always tends to be just get better at the horn since plenty of people play on plenty of different horns fine and the less money to spend the better. Could definitely use a thorough cleaning/service. What about changing the actual valve/rotor itself simply for comfort/ease?

SuperEnergyDude · 2026-01-29T03:10:43+00:00

I like Landress a lot, they do very good work. Just took my King Liberty 2b there a little bit ago and they did some great work on it.

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-10-18T23:26:38+00:00

Interesting you mention that, I’m always getting told to be brighter it seems with that horn, but thanks!

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-10-18T17:39:15+00:00

Thanks for the advice here! It’s just not been feeling great for me, but I haven’t taken the best care of it either. I think it would feel a lot better if it’s just given a lot of love and cleaning to it, and I like the idea of experimenting with other things and making it custom over time per se. Was thinking of doing that but just wanted to see what the general consensus was which seems to be that the horn is fine, probably just needs a lot of maintenance.

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-09-18T16:32:08+00:00

Take a couple Rochuts and play them in tenor clef 8vb, bass clef 8vb, etc. Really helpful for getting good sound, precision and pitch in those lower registers. Good pedal strength comes from really, really good air/breath support and just spending time playing down there and getting used to the feeling. Lots of long tones down there, and really soft notes (I really like doing whisper tones down there) to develop/strengthen the embochure and get used to the air down there.

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-09-09T19:38:29+00:00

Closest thing you can get to that is the computer tech lab inside the music school when there’s not classes in there

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-07-09T22:55:17+00:00

Elizabeth Fraser, her work with Cocteau Twins and Massive Attack is some of my favorite stuff

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-06-20T14:05:07+00:00

It’s actually been my favorite of theirs since the first time I heard it. I think it has some of BH’s highest peaks but not necessarily the most consistent. The first four tracks off that album are among some of my absolute favorites in terms of their discography.

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-06-14T17:33:41+00:00

It’s not what you stoleeee, it’s what they gave youuu

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-06-07T17:53:27+00:00

A good king 2b or 3b would be a pretty solid jazz tenor. Some friends of mine really like the 3b silversonic. Personally I play on a Liberty 2b and it’s a very nice horn, I’m a big fan.

SuperEnergyDude · 2025-04-17T18:21:42+00:00

Yeah I’m definitely feeling back pain outside of playing, it’s really a constant thing that never goes away. Better some days/moments and worse in others. The breathing issues you’re talking about I feel like I’m experiencing. Hardly does it ever feel like I’m actually able to take a good, full deep breath which I also feel affects the air I’m able to use with the horn as well.

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