I'm currently learning my Grade 2 and 3 Scales and Arpeggios on the flute but I am am problems with the descending arpeggios - the problem occurs when, having reached the top note, I come back down, but 9 times out of ten for some reason I do not get the note I want, but I get a 5th higher (a harmonic). (Eg, from top D down a 4th to the A - the note I generally get is a top E even though I am fingering an A!).

My teacher suggested I use less breath on the offending notes and I have tried this but it doesn't always work and it sounds stilted.

Is this problem a peculiar one or a common, and anyone got any tips on how I can deal with it?

Practise it really slowly, and slur between the offending notes, make sure each is secure before you go back to the other. It'll probably take some time to get used to the embouchure change!! (I'm assuming its an embouchure change, I'm no flautist but I vaguely think the break is about there...)

Actually try practising harmonics - this should give you a good idea of where your bottom lip needs to be for the higher notes. Finger a low D and get that note, then the octave, then the middle register A. When you get a good harmonic A change the fingering to an actual A, but keeping the lip absolutely still. Then try the upper D using low D fingering. Notice how you have to move the bottom lip forward slightly to get these higher harmonics. This is exactly what you have to do when playing higher notes with their normal fingering. Remember to bring the lip back again as you descend. The blowing position for the upper D is slightly more forward than for the A below, so it sounds as though you are keeping your lip in the position for the upper note, hence getting the harmonic E.

Thanks for the advice. I do practice getting harmonic (Trevor Wye's book recommends it) - I must admit I've always thought my problem was more to do with breath than embouchure because I don't have a problem ascending - it's just coming back down. So I will try adjusting embouchure as well.

I would agree entirely with harmony2, Rhoda. It's almost certainly an embouchure issue. Reducing your air speed is likely to lead to intonation and tone problems rather than fixing the issue. Try imagining your air supply is aimed at your feet as you descend.