Fluteland.com Flute Message Board

It's possible that you're not getting your fingers on the keys all the way. Try the switching notes slowly while paying careful attention to whether your fingers cover the holes.

I'm taking it in for a cleaning and maintainance check over Christmas break (if they can get it done in under two weeks, which I'm sure they can), so they'll probably catch anything that's wrong. Also, I had my band director give it a quick glance, just in case. But I do think the buzzing is a probl...

I wasn't totally sure what board to post this on, but oh well. The other day I dropped my flute during our parade, and I played it, and everything seemed just fine, but this week I've noticed a buzzing sound sometimes when I play certain notes. I still have the plug in on my g key (I have an open-ho...

I was taught the thumb fingering for the note, but I later found that using the one-and-one fingering really helps it be more in tune (for me and my flute; your situation may be totally different of course). I use the thumb whenever I have fast runs or something of that sort with a B flat, but I pre...

Hehe, this is a bit random, but I was born with crooked pinkies (maybe because I'm double jointed in my hands) so I have no trouble reaching the keys at an arch and with no pain. :P Also, I do finger excercises before I play each day, so my fingers go back even more than they used to. Now I can get ...

You could call your local music store to ask how much a tune-up by them might cost because it can vary, I imagine.

Any time.

I started out on a Pearl open hole, outset G, C foot joint, and it contributed to my being able to get an okay sound (for a beginner, of course) from the start. I suggest getting one of the major brands such as pearl, yamaha, or gemeinhardt. Whether or not you get a pro or beginner's is your decisio...

I am too lazy to read Stargle's post, so I might repeat something already said. Sorry if I do. I can get a decent tone on those notes, but I'm not sure exactly how I do it. Here's what you might try: totally loosen up in embouchure and hands(tension can really affect tone and pitch; don't try to str...

When I first started playing, I hummed on my flute, mostly on lower notes, just as you say you do. First off, you must understand that playing a flute is not the same concept as singing, just in case you're a singer, and that's the reason you might be doing this. Something you might to is set your m...

If it's not raising you an octave, that usually considered a very good thing.

Your teacher is right. Start doing breathing exercises (I explained a few in another thread around here that you might try), and make sure you use the same amount of steady air all the time, and with high notes, think about making the air faster (without using too much air). Also, try a two octave s...

Our tradition is to have all the senior flute play piccolo during marching season, and 1st chair gets any picc solos during concert season (which is rare because our director doesn't really like piccolos). This year we had two, which is actually a first because we usually just have one senior (fairl...

I know this conversation looks like it's over, but I have a tip for breathing techniques. Every day before you play (you might do this before school if you don't want to look silly in front of your friends :P), do a breathing exercise. One that I do: set a medium tempo in your head (about 80 beats p...

Yes, a repair person may be required, but you might also take a look at it to see if there are any springs popped off or loose screws. That happens to me all the time.