Why? Because I can simultaneously:
- practice memorizing the chord progression to a standard I want to know,
- focus on following and predicting the form and harmonic rhythm, (I’m visualizing the 4-8 bar sections as I go, aiming to think ahead a measure or two)
- treat it as a long tone exercise, and
- step outside my rhythmic comfort zone.
This slight shift from 4/4 to 11/4 primes my brain for focus and retention of the sequence of notes.