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Sometimes when I play long notes, the muscles in my lips start spazzing and they make this ugly pseudo vibrato thing that doesn't sound good.

Is there a cure for this or am I cursed with it?

i have a similar problem. the way i have been told to fix it is support my sound. (which means breathing properaly, and playing with a full sound.)

that might help your problem.

I have this problem on horn if I am out of shape. It only appeared after I hit 55, as overall physical weakness seems to be starting to show up as a function of age.

For me, on horn, I just have to put more time in on it; it happens when I've taken a few days off, no matter what the air supply is doing. However, if you are "pinching" to play, more air is called for, which will let you play with less tension in the chops.

I found that mouthpiece pressure helped, but of course that is a no-no and was merely supplying the support that I needed from the musculature. Using more lower lip helps, too, since on me it is stronger than the upper.

MA, who says getting older stinks

MaryAnn wrote:

MA, who says getting older stinks

Not if you consider the alternative..

sloan wrote:

MaryAnn wrote:

MA, who says getting older stinks

Not if you consider the alternative..

Once again, Ken, you have very succinctly stated one of the important truths of life.

Jonathantuba wrote:You could try playing on a smaller diameter mouthpiece to see if that helps.

I have that same problem if I use a big mouthpiece, but am fine on one up to 32mm.

I agree, when I feel like my Conn Helleburg might make me crack a note or my embouchure feels unstable I change out to my Conn 2 or King 26 to help avoid cracking a note, but that solution is for when I'm really having an "off day".