Just got a flute yesterday, having breathing problems

Mango · Post by **Mango** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 4:38 pm

Hey there. I just got my first flute yesterday, and I noticed while I was playing it that my breathing probably wasn't correct. I'm breathing about every measure and a half or two, if I'm lucky. I play Bass Calrinet, Soprano Clarinet, and Trumpet (this one badly) as well, and I breathe well with those.

Is it just because most of the air doesn't go into the flute and I need to get used to that? Or do I need to do something to remedy this? If the latter, any advice?

I'm studying out of Baldwin publishing's Flute Student and rubank's Elementary Method, A because it shows the fingerings when you learn the notes, and B because it's supposedly one of the best, and it came with my flute (along with Rubank's Intermediate and Selected Duets, MusicAll, and some assorted sheet music).

Thank you!

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:24 pm

I have run into similar problems with students who start on different wind instruments then pick up flute. What generally works is to concentrate on focusing your airstream. Blow into a straw without letting any air escape through the corners of your mouth. Using that same idea of focus, try playing a single note on your flute (B on the staff works well). Hold the note as long as possible, breathe and play the note again. It seems to be a metter of focus simply because there is no resistance as there is with other wind instruments.

I had the opposit problem when I learned to play the oboe. I simply did not know when to stop and breathe. At first, I foumd it to be quite funny. When I got into harder music, it was a problem because I started getting horrible headsches.

powayflute01 · Post by **powayflute01** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 6:50 pm

I had a similar problem when I started playing flute-- my problem was because my air stream, rather than being focused into one column, branched into two columns. Try playing in front of a mirror and watch your airstream; try to focus it into one column.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:55 am

on the flute you waste 60% of your air i read... keep that in mind. all those other instruments you play, your mouth/air has direct contact with them

Mango · Post by **Mango** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:49 pm

thanks. I'm getting better now. My problem now is getting my E and D in the upper staff to come out. But I'll get it soon.

BiGSCARYMONSTER · Post by **BiGSCARYMONSTER** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 2:56 pm

the flute takes a lot more air then most instrumentos