When I begin to descend from the middle C to the bass clef 3rd line D,
I dont have to move the mouthpiece. But when I come to the Bass clef 2nd
space C(right below the D), I put the mouthpiece, so that my bottom lip is
COMPLETLY OUT of the cup or rim of the mouthpiece, and to where it is literally
covering or on top of the Bottom rim of the mouthpiece (I also shift my head WAY
forward)!
You are compensating. It's normal, as your teacher has pointed out. It is also normal that on the horn your lower register develops much more slowly than your upper register. As time progresses and your technique improves you will find the best placement of mouthpiece/lip/ head angle for the lower register, but it takes time.
My low register didn't happen until I was out of college, and even then it was a forced development because the only gig I could get was 4th horn. While I had a decent low register, I did not have the facility necessary. Then came Beethoven, specifically the Triple Concerto. I *busted* my butt working on the 2nd horn part for that piece until I could do it, and one day it all worked beautifully. That was 20 years ago, and today I still have to practice low register all the time to keep it working.
So, first, don't expect everything to work all at once. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was anyone's embouchure. Second, listen to your teacher. She sounds like she knows what she it talking about and can relate to what you are doing. If you develop any seriously bad habits, she'll let you know. Third, I recently got a look at Randy Gardner's book on Mastering the Low Register. If you are truly serious about playing low, this is a great tome, but I would urge you to master the upper register first.
Relax. You have time.
Margaret
Margaret Dikel JCCSO Librarian / Horn 11218 Ashley Drive, Rockville MD 20852 301-881-0122 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
_______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
