I thought that there might be someone who maybe able to help me with this topic....I would like to improve my articulation ..I know my tone is good but sometimes I think I need more support with tonguing? Does anybody use certain exercises that help with this?

Thanks in advance

bump..

What sort of flute do you have? Articulation is one of things to be gained by upgrading. I found a vast improvement when I bought a zirconium stopper.

I have a Pearl - so have already upgraded form a student flute tone is wonderful!:-)

The only two exercises that I have heard of for tonguing is (a) to use the tongue to spit out grains of rice (preferably in the garden, so perhaps not at this time of year!) and (b) for double tonguing practice walking around all day saying "T-K-T-K-T-K" etc or "D-G-D-G-D-G" until you get arrested.

Actually, to be serious, is that the problem? I discovered fairly early on that I was not happy tonguing with a T sound at the back of my teeth as it seemed to make me close my mouth up a bit. My teacher persisted for a couple of months, then relented and said I could use D if it made me happier (I think she said this was more the way the French play the flute). This puts my tongue a little bit further back from my teeth, and of course I do not voice the D. I found this also helped me to learn legato tonguing fairly quickly.

Now if only I could improve my tone.....

The main thing is to make sure that you are keeping a good flow of air coming through the throat and mouth: practise by making a long note with a good "awe" vowel shape. Then, before the note ends, flick the tongue a few times against the teeth (tawe or dawe) making sure that the tone does not change. Works a treat with my students

As far as I know the French method of tonguing is more 'th' than D, with the tongue between the teeth. D and D-G should be used much more than T and definitely than T-K. Double tonguing with T-K is almost always too dry. When playing Baroque fast movements single-tongued, D should always be used for the semiquavers, and for any other pieces that require legato tonguing. Keep T for accented and staccato notes.

In answer to the original question, you might find it useful to play a passage articulating only from the diaphragm (h, h, h). That will show you whether the basic tone and support are in place. Then use the tongue tip just to give the beginning of the note more definition.

Alternatively, play long notes and subdivide them by using the tongue only. So hold a B for a semibreve, then articulate using a D at the half-way minim point, and then again at the crotchet points. In any flute piece all tongued (or slurred for that matter) passages should be played as if blowing one long note, using fingers, tongue and embouchure changes as necessary to vary the note pitches.

Hope some of this helps.

Trevor Wye does a book on articulation with lots of exercises.