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wilcox96 · 11-05-2007, 10:17 AM

I am not choosing Pops' comments for negative reasons... I have much respect for him, as well as Robin. I only use it as a vehicle for illustrations and to further this interesting discussion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pops

Nick was a GREAT player LONG before there was a TCE. True..but I seem to remember him saying somewhere in past threads that he became curious about this method after - #1, he ran into chop problems after the Maynard tours...and #2, after fixing his embouchure and playing approach, this method was pretty close to what he was doing already (whether he put a "name" to it or not).

He can do many things that most people can NOT. Also true, but aren't those the things people aspire "TO" do? (thus...the interest of our OP)

This includes the mouthpiece that he plays and EVERY embouchure that he has tried. He's tried a bunch (some for "total" experiment and understanding of the method, not necessarily for personal improvement).

It could be a real problem to base yourself on what a pro can get away with. This is back to what folks aspire to be and sound like. I do get your point...just because a pro can accomplish something one way, doesn't mean you can make it work for you. Still, why wouldn't someone "try" "anything"??

He ALREADY had strength and control that you don't have. He could turn something around in weeks that might take you years. And?? The point being, I guess...is that someone might either get frustrated or really mess themselves up. This is where personal instruction and dedication comes to play. The OP (or anyone) would benefit additionally from personal lessons with a qualified person... like Nick.

Using the same embouchure as another player will help you to be a pro about as much as buying golf clubs from Tiger would improve your golf game. OR... it could help someone tremendously. I think this statement "has" to be balanced. Why do "anything" because someone else does? Sure...don't do something "just" because of that.. but there is a reason things work. Of course it's not for everyone...but something "is" for those it "does" work for!

That is like saying someone shouldn't use the Clarke Technical studies just because it works for so and so.

It is NOT about what works for Nick. It is about what works for you. This is absolutely true. However, it also may be the opposite and "might" actually work. You wouldn't know unless you worked on it.

Why would anyone go to Pops? Because he has been a student of what works for a lot of people. I wouldn't tell folks to not go to him any more than I would say don't take a look at what Nick (or Callet) is doing. I'd also like to make another point about the internet lessons. Although I understand the point Robin is making...just simply viewing lessons doesn't necessarily garner the same benefit that the addition of face to face lessons might... Perhaps this is what Nick will offer in the future. Heck, with web cams...he and a student could hook up from anywhere in the world. Still is face to face. (so to speak). This may be the future.

Experimenting...or better yet...longing to be better players is what we should always be about. Going about it as intelligently as possible is advised. Realizing expectations (all the while knowing that anything takes disciplined efforts), is equally important. From what I understand about this method, it is fairly unorthodox and very specific in it's approach. Going at it without some serious study (and personal guidance along the way) might prove frustrating). Regardless of what direction the OP takes...go at it with focus and determination. Have fun.... be the best you can.