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The loose and tight do not refer to the embouchure, but to body tension. This is explained in great detail in the body use link a little further down in that paragraph.

Basically, there are millions of combinations to "get the notes out". Bad habits including breathing, posture, even how you place your feet. If anything about your playing is not correct, there are many options to compensate - tension, pressure, alternate fingerings even pivoting the horn.

If you do not have these issues resolved or are at least well on your way, you probably won't have much fun with the Prana - the standard Monette mouthpiece would be more forgiving.

The octaves on the Prana are further apart than on other mouthpieces. If you are tense, this would make you flat in the lower register and sharp in the high register. As your body learns to cooperate, everything starts to line up. The end result is an in tune, resonant sound with a lot of dynamics and color. Just like there are student and pro horns, there is a choice between "forgiving" and high performance mouthpieces.

The body use section of the Monette website says it all. The less your body is in the way of your playing, the easier time you will have with ANY professional equipment. When your body is in the way, you need more "forgiving" equipment. "Forgiving" is not the most "resonant" approach!

How do you know in advance if you are "loose" enough? Find a hatha yoga teacher and take a couple of lessons. In a very short time you will be aware of everything we are talking about! It would be money very well spent and would apply to any type of professional playing with all types of great equipment.

This should not sound like a Prana ad, rather be motivation for everyone to loosen up when playing. Regardless of your horn and mouthpiece you will benefit. I am sold on Monettes concept. As we are creatures of habit, it is not always possible or desirable to change equipment, however.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.