Fluteland.com Flute Message Board

Open-holed flutes definitely have a better tone than closed hole, IMO. However, your not being able to tune up with the tape could be because the TAPE is out of tune. Your tape recorder could be playing it at a speed that's making the sound warp. This has happened to me with karaoke tapes - once at ...

I usually find that just drinking a little water helps with dry mouth. As for the meal, I never wanted to end up feeling nauseous or gassy during an audition, so I'd just have something light like a granola bar. :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :rol...

That's a tough note - and a tough passage. I agree, the best way to conquer it is to go through it slowly. Also, work on that note individually; do harmonics and practice until you can control the note by itself; then work on controlling the volume on the passage. If all else fails, that passage goe...

I personally wouldn't go with Prokofiev. There's too much room for error, and it's one of those pieces that sounds much better with piano. Go with something a bit more "standard" like a Mozart or the Poulenc Sonata. Pick something that shows off your range, but is also technically difficult and melo...

Try not to tense up the right hand - that's where you get pain in your pinky and wrist. Are you playing an openhole flute? Maybe put some plugs back in until you can get a comfortable "stretch." :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :...

I live in the NYC area and have been playing flute for over 20 years. I'm interested in finding a fun, non-competitive flute choir to join. Though I practice sometimes, I'm busy with my dayjob (I write for a magazine), so I'm not as on top of things as I'd like. I used to be very advanced, but I'm a...

Congrats on taking up flute! I play clarinet and sax, as well, so I sympathize; getting the mouth position is more difficult on the flute, I think. The trick is to tighten your lips, but not to overblow. One thing I've found that helps is to actually roll your eyes up toward the ceiling as you aim f...

I've been playing for over 20 years, so I'm pretty advanced. In high school, I competed at the All-State level, which is top in NY. I tend to like pieces by the French composers - Poulenc, Bozza, Honneger, Debussy. I also like Prokofiev (sp?), Hindemith, Bach.

I find them distracting. Also, the wind-up ones have a tendency to gradually slow down. My teacher used to use a digital one, but the beeping still annoyed me.

Some of my favorite pieces:

Debussy's Syrinx
Poulenc Sonata
Hindemith Sonata
Eugene Bozza's Image
J.S. Bach Suite In B Minor (Includes Badenerie)

I have a Yamaha open hole with a B-foot and an Armstrong piccolo.

Oh my God, reading your post took me back about 15 years! When I was in high school, I was in serious competition with another flute player, as well (and boy was she mean)! So I practiced and stressed and eventually beat her, but didn't enjoy the experience. Fast forward to college where I stopped c...

I think it'll mostly takes time to adjust. Your muscles will eventually get used to the position. Try to relax when you play. Sit (or stand) up straight, but don't feel like you have to keep a military stance. If the flute tips a bit, it's still ok. And when you're not playing, even if it's just for...

Definitely look online. If you live near a good music shop, ask if they can be ordered. Sneeble, snarble, splorkity, splerkity, sploo! [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:kiss:] [:k...

Oh, this is one of my favorite pieces. I can't think of a specific exercise to practice for it - maybe practice playing B minor things. Do scales, arpeggios, until you're comfortable with that scale. Then just play the piece slowly until you're comfortable with it. Separate it into sections and when...