Posted by Doug Elliott on August 28, 2003 at 15:24:15:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Accuracy problems posted by not so perplexed on August 28, 2003 at 12:04:50:
So the student is definitely downstream. The very high placement embouchure as you describe needs to pull downward to descend (NOT slide downward on the lips, and I'm not talking about the angle either). It is very typical for this embouchure to be playing middle range as if it were upper range, that is, the "normal" position that you might assume is mid-range is actually between F and high Bb. It is necessary to pull down from this position to play midrange, and playing in the staff definitely requires pulling down.
"Pulling down" means the mouthpiece and lips together come toward the chin slightly; for high range the opposite is true - they move toward the nose slightly. If you watch carefully you can see it happen naturally. Sometimes it needs a little extra help. I hope this is clear - I know it's a concept most people are completely unfamiliar with.
Doug