A few videos on youtube talking about flute embouchure got me thinking about an often debated issue in flute playing, to do with exactly how much you cover the mouth hole. 1/3, 1/2, more than 1/2 etc.

James Galway for instance seems to advocate covering a lot of hole and blowing down at quite a deep angle. Jennifer Cluff on the other hand appears to advise against this approach, saying it can sound to forceful and reduce tone colour. At least both agree on avoiding tightness in the lips, no 'smiling' embouchure.

When I was practising for my grade 8 I initially had to lose the tight embouchure (hard when clarinet does need a tight smiling embouchure). Having done that, I tended to favour going quite far over the hole as it sounded more resonant on my student Yamaha. I can see Cluff's point though that it can limit tonal variety doing it this way.

Is it just personal preference, the style you are playing, the character of the flute itself? What do people prefer, or advise to their pupils?

I've never actually thought about this before! I don't think I cover much of the hole at all but i'll check the next time i'm playing.

I dont think I could say what fraction of the hole I cover, but I do tend to direct the air very much down like James Galway suggests, but not in the same way that he does it. It is true that it limits tonal colour, and I tend to get a very strong sound that way. Saying that, I tend to uncover more for a purer sound, and especially when quiet.
Hard to explain, but I dont have one way of playing, my embouchure varies alot depending on what the music calls for.

Not very much of the hole. Covering up does IMO get a richer sound initially but it is limiting, and I'd rather work on being able to get a rich sound without turning in, which is possible (I don't like JG's tone as much as some other flautists anyway, and it is very unvaried)

Normallly about 1/3 but it varies like the others said.

I have my head turned out and still cover most of the hole - yes, I've got rubber lips. I find this gives maximum control as there are so many muscles available to use in that area. Sometimes smiling slightly is a useful effect too.

I havent really thought about this atall, but my teacher tells me to not smile. oops! thats better!!!
i would say i probally cover abuot half the hole.

xxx

I don't cover much of the hole and blow straight acros...tone and colour should come from support in the diaphragm and an open throat for the sound to resonate in. Loose embouchure and fast airstream also good