Hi,
I've returned to playing the flute after a 15 year gap. When I play the notes sound very breathy. Despite practice its not going away. Does anyone have any sugestions.
Thanks
Nix
Breathy sounding
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flutepicc06
- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm
Get your flute checked out, first of all. If you're using the same one you used 15 years ago, it almost certainly will need some work, even if it was just sitting around doing nothing. If it's a new one, it may still need work. A leak in the pads, the headjoint cork, at a joint, etc. can cause an airy noise. It may also be that you just haven't got enough practice yet. You don't say how long it's been since you came back to the flute, but it can take months to build up the muscles necessary for a good embouchure to the point that your tone is acceptable, so don't give up just yet.
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flutepicc06
- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm
You'd be surprised how often the flute is to blame, and yet players think it's them. That's particularly true of beginners playing substandard instruments, and unfortunately, some give up before they have the chance to try a decent instrument. Hopefully that overhaul will help out, but even if it doesn't, don't give up yet! More practice (particularly tone exercises) might help. It may also be that the headjoint you have is just more inclined to air noise. Try putting a recording device at a distance and playing, and then give it a listen. The air noise may not even be noticeable. Some great flutists have a very airy sound up close, but a fantastic tone at a small distance. I've experienced this first hand with William Bennett. No reason to get down on yourself if the audience likes your sound!nix wrote:Thanks for the post, I've just taken the flute in for an overhaul. I've been playing again for a couple of months. Hopefully the overhaul will help. I'd just assumed the bad sound would be me!