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Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. |
So you chose the flute ... now what?
Obtaining an instrument.
You have THREE options: 1) You can rent a school instrument for a donation of $50 for maintenance and repair or 2) You can rent an instrument from a third party or 3) You can purchase an instrument. (Please seek a recommendation from Ms. B before purchasing.) |
What supplies do you need? * Cleaning rod/turning rod * Silk or cotton cloth (clean inside of flute) * Soft, cotton polishing cloth * Rubbing alcohol * Music Stand * Metronome/Metronome App. * Chapstick |
Here's some important stuff:
Flute EMBOUCHURE quick tips
Click here to learn more about flute embouchure
(how the instrument is placed on your mouth). |
Flute embouchure no no'sSmiling embouchure
The corners of the mouth should be down, creating a pouty face. Yes, we want pouty flute players! Aperture too large Think of the aperture as being the size of a toothpick or laser beam. Remember, the tone will sound airy if the aperture is too big. Back molar teeth too close together The teeth should be approximately 3/8″ apart, creating an open oral cavity. Imagine having pencil erasers or small baby carrots between their back teeth. Playing with head down A good embouchure always begins with good posture. Not enough air support Dont forget, flute takes more air than playing the tuba! Rolling headjoint too far in or out If the headjoint is rolled in or out too far, the tone will be poor, weak and most likely airy. You should be able to see about half of the embouchure hole when playing. FLUTE TONGUING QUICK TIPSClick here to learn more about tonguing.
The Three "A's": Air Speed, Angle and ApertureAir Speed
For better air speed, open the throat, teeth and mouth and let the air stream do all the work. The embouchure should not interfere with the air stream. There is a natural learning curve when learning how to keep a steady air stream. We have to learn to balance the air pressure to the amount of resistance at our lips. Without some focusing, the air stream is broad and airy in quality. It works for most registers and situations, but not all.
How to Acquire a Good Sound
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Here's some useful stuff
Flute Lesson 1Opening the Case & Naming the Parts
FLUTE LESSON 4
How to Hold the Flute
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FLUTE LESSON 2How to Make a Sound!
(embouchure, band face, head joint) FLUTE LESSON 5
First Note! D
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Flute lesson 3How to Put the Flute Together
FLUTE LESSON 6
New Note (Eb) & Shark Attack!
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