Hi guys

I just wondered what everyone found was the thing that they had been told or taught which has helped them the most with flute playing... we have a mine of flute knowledge on here, I thought we could share some of it!

My best single thing is probably the teacher who taught me how to properly support the sound from the diaphragm, and that it wasn't the same kind of feeling as when you just try to take a really deep breath. Lol. That so doesn't work explaining it in words!

The other one was probably the teacher who told me to think about trying to split the air on the bottom edge of the mouthpiece of the flute rather than the top - aiming for the bottom edge. Which in fact i don't know where the airstream does hit, but thinking of it like that really helped me get a warmer tone.

Finding out that there is such a thing as a Bb thumb key!!!

My top tip wasn't really taught to me, it was something I really picked up myself. and that was the whole warming your flute up properly thing.

and if all else fails, to use the radiator!

QUOTE (tamsin @ Jan 13 2005, 07:05 PM)

and if all else fails, to use the radiator!

I'd be too scared... I couldn't afford to replace it!!!

Best tip was from my second teacher, who told me to relax rather than tighten the embouchure for the higher notes.

Just thought this thread could do with being resurrected... any more flute top tips?

My one for now is splurts to learn scales: Splurts

Again using the diaphragm to support - at a flute course, I was doing a masterclass and one of the tutors pushed on my stomach as I was playing and it made the sound so much better.

QUOTE (tamsin @ Jan 13 2005, 07:05 PM)
and if all else fails, to use the radiator!



I'd be too scared... I couldn't afford to replace it!!!

[QUOTE]

What - the radiator!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think it perhaps refered to the flute!

Another top tip to add, enjoy playing for yourself, and the music's sake. And my decision not to take another music exam till I've learnt to cope with my performance phobia. Did wonders for taking the pressure out of playing and enjoyment, even if I find I don't practise as much, and am less motivated... changing priorities I guess...