Pull toward the mouthpiece?

[BPL]

Currently, wet lips feel horrible for me.. at least, wetness on the rim does. I keep the middle part of my lips moist, even licking the mpc cup, but I feel like I need to keep the rim and the outside part of my lips dryish. I would much rather have a wet embouchure.. I understand the need to be able to move the lips around.. but I'm trying not to think about my lips. I figure that in time, it'll sort itself out.

[jvf1095]

I know this is an old post. But reading Claude Gordan's description of the lips contracting toward the mouthpiece in sort of a pucker, does the Lynn Nicholson method of unfurling the lips come into play here?

[JayKosta]

Being able to SEE what a player is doing is preferable to written or spoken descriptions - if what is seen conflicts with the wording, then proceed carefully.

What physical action for playing is desired? Is the seeing or the saying more likely to produce / enable that action?
_________________
Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

[jvf1095]

Hello Jay. I think it's both. You can read about someone saying they are doing this or that, & they can tell you what THEIR results is. Or, you can see someone do something & then hear the results. Of course, especially the written word, can be up for interpretation, as are many posts on this site! But one can try what someone suggests, & play around with it to see if it works for you. That is, if you understand what that person is trying to explain. Watching someone (for example, Lynn Nickolson unfurling his embouchure) & seeing & HEARING the results is a lot less open to interpretation, & easier to copy to see if it works for you. (Sort of like monkey see; monkey do)?

[John Mohan]

[jvf1095]

Thanks John. Now I know I'm on the right track!