Have a real struggle trying to figure the tuning. Is it ok to play with 3 plugs in and 2 out? Cos when I put all 5 in I get flat in the low notes and sharp in the high notes. It sounds much nicer and more even tuning with no plugs, but I'm not secure enough in my fingering for that yet and I've a concert this afternoon. I think it sounds better with 3 than with 5, but my teacher said it should be all or non. Please advise urgently????

It's fine to play with some holes plugged and others not. Most teachers I know suggest that you remove plugs one at a time as you become accustomed to open holes, usually with the ring finger plugs the last to be removed. Hope the concert goes well.

Thanks Andante. I've got the highest hole open on each hand at the moment. I played awful at last nights rehearsal so I'm just praying like mad now. Especially as I'm doing my first duet too. I'd plugged all the holes for that, but tuning was ###### and I split loads of notes. Too many painkillers doesn't exactly help, so I'm trying to do without today, if my hip will allow me? (I need a hip replacement op.)

You'll be ok.... just go for it.

Your duet partner and teacher trust you....

Thanks partner but you really don't know what you're letting yourself in for,

I do... I've heard you remember......
Just play your part and I'll make sure I stick with you.
Take is as slowly as you can while still being able to breathe.

Well I better go and do some piano practice.
See you soon

Good Luck Snuglivixen. Let us know how you get on. My goodness, you are very young to be needing a hip replacement, are you on a waiting list?
Beverley.

Well I've decided I'm a dozy idiot - I only managed to forget to take the plugs with me to the concert?!?!?!? Had to play for 1 and half hours with open holes!! Including the duet with shboa! Did I mention I've only had the flute a week????? Scared myself silly, but I think I pulled it off.
Guess I may as well bin the plugs, no point putting them back in after that? Got another concert next week on the sunday, and then the adult learners concert on the 29th - scary!!!!!

Well done for surviving!! Yes, after that it's probably not worth putting them back in. Don't bin them though! If you come to sell the flute it's good to have the plugs available, and you don't know when you might find you need a bit of help for your ring fingers at a later date. I have times when I replug my RH ring finger hole because my hands just aren't cooperating that weel.

WELL DONE!

Well done you. I'm really looking forward to hearing you on the 29th.

She was really good, even when I fluffed a note and had to catch up.

I'd say get rid of the plugs for good. From what you've described (hard to tune, notes cracking) it sounds like the plugs were causing air leaks. That happened to me when I still used plugs - the LH3 plug wasn't properly covering the key, and it made it impossible to tune or play well.

Yeah, i wondered about tuning when i first got my open holed flute, but luckily it didn't take me long to get rid of the plugs. Once you start playing without them you will get used to it mega fast. The only one i still have a tiny bit of trouble with is my 3rd finger on my right hand when i go down to a low C (or . Once you get used to it though you will realise how amazing open holed flutes are. I tried playing my teachers closed hole one the other day and hated it because i've got so used to the open holes.

Yeah, I'm still playing my open hole flute with 4 plugs in and the tuning sometimes goes very flat especially in the lower register. I'm just about ready to take another plug out