Hi,
My teacher wants me to practice note-bending, to make my embouchure more flexible, as one of the recent comments on my exam was the my embouchure was tight. However, she set me to do that on 9th March and I haven't seen her since (1 missed lesson and Easter holidays). I feel really stupid though, and I don't know whether I am doing it right. I can make my embouchure 'smily' but for the frowny one, my jaw/mouth/embouchure doesn't want to move. Can anybody give me some advice?

Also, since my exam results (March 8th ish), which were good and I was pleased with I have really been lacking motivation to practice. Before my exam I used to practice for at least an hour per day but, I haven't practiced properly for ages. The work she has left me are the other movements of my exam pieces, even though I haven't played them, after playing the other movements for 7 months means that I am a bit fed up of them. I have also been given the Waltz from Suite Antique to learn which is on the ABRSM Grade 8 syllabus, I can play it slowly but it is frustrating me as I can't play it that well. Usually I'd do it slowly and build up the speed but I just get put off straight away.

So, I am thinking that I need a harder Grade 7 (UK)/ easier Grade 8 piece to bridge the step from Grade 7 to 8. When I was with her and did Grade 6, she bridged me well, and it would give me confidence if I could play something.

I love the flute, and I'd never give it up, I've got to keep improving as I am going on tour with the band who are currently above me (in playing ability and age), and I can't stay in my current band past the end of June and have to audition for the highest band/orchestra there is, and I don't have the confidence that'll get in.

I hate feeling like this, and as I have GCSEs (exams) in May and June I'll have less time for flute practice as I'll be revising a lot. So any tips for being more motivated, on note bending or any good Grade 7/8 (UK) repetoire?

Thankyou.

Hi Nicki

Try thinking of the note bending as pouting rather than frowning. You could try putting your bottom lip over your top lip and gradually rolling it down whilst blowing. Think of how a toddler looks when their bottom lip quivers before they cry!

You could also try 'chewing' as you blow into the flute, and observing how your sound changes as your mouth moves. Don't expect a good sound all the time as you do this; the idea is that you begin to experience what works and what doesn't.

Repertoire-wise, what's your budget like for new music? Some of the compilation books may be what you're looking for, with a range of pieces at Grade 6-8 levels. If you look at Just Flutes catalogue (here) under Classical Albums with accompaniment you can get an idea of the grade level.

Hope this helps.

I play clarinet and just took my grade 7 at the end of this term. I know how you feel with not wanting to play the other movements of the pieces!... anyway i suggest that you have a break for 1/2 weeks after your exam. (You are, as you said. fed up of the pieces!) after this keep your flute out and just play when you have nothing to do. Its not a very good way to practice but once you get back into the hang of playing some music you will be able to settle down more and actually focus on your pieces.

As for the fact you cant play the grade 8 pieces - thats cos they are for grade 8 and you're not meant to be able to sight read them! Dont worry - it often takes ages to prepare a piece. Just start off with the first page and play through it and identify the bits that you cant do well... then practice them (i learn them until i can play them off by heart!) then you will find that you can play the piece better because you are not stumbling over the bits that you found hard!

dont worry about GCSEs - i have them next year too - you are just going to let your flute slip down your priority list but you can still play!... i intend to have lessons right through the exam period because i find playing stress relieving! Have a good holiday! remember - they are for relaxing in you know!?

Hi, thanks to both of you

Andante - I have find it easier to pout than frown, and I hope this is right, I will check with my flute teacher on Wednesday . Chewing, hmm, sounds interesting, you mean actually the motion of chewing? Thanks for the book ideas, I'll tell my flute teacher about my motivation and will see if she suggests anything.

Hothedgehog - (love the name by the way). Congratulations on your grade 7 result. Well my exam was 4th March and I haven't played that much over Easter, so that can be my break. I have to keep my standard of playing up, (I think you misunderstood, I have GCSEs this year, good luck for yours) as I have to do some concerts, GCSE performances and auditions. I love the Grade 8 piece I have, I am just impatient. But I think with a little bit of work I will get it good soon I am not going to stop my flute lessons through the exam period. I'll have band concerts around GCSE time and on my birthday I'll have 4 hours of exams and a flute lesson!

Thanks for both contributions

If you look at yourself in the mirror while you're making an exaggerated chewing motion with your mouth, you'll see how many different positions your mouth gets into. It helps to get your mouth out of the position it automatically goes into when you put your flute to your lips, so that you can explore other options.

Oh right, thanks, I'll try it

How're you getting on nicki?

Hi Sarah, better thanks!
I now have something to aim for, to get into the highest wind band in July. It is going to be a challenge as there are only 6 flute spaces, and they are all high Grade7 minimum, but I can't see myself not doing band next year.
Also, I am going on tour in July, and although I am really nervous as I don't know anyone else going but it should be good.
Also, I am sounding better than I ever have before, and am playing stuff that I wouldn't have thought of playing a year ago (e.g the Rutter Waltz which I am auditioning for the band with.)
The only bad thing is is GCSEs, less time to practice

Cool yep having something to work for really helps. How's the note bending going?

Oh, I haven't had to do that for a while, so I haven't done any!