I started to teach myself how to play the flute a couple of weeks ago and so far have done quite well in learning my fingering and keys.... and have noticed just how different the tone/sounds is depending on the positioning of the head joint.
I've searched the web and can't find an answer - could you give me a practical answer on how I push the headjoint into the main body section.
I promise in time (October) I will get a flute teacher but with work committments that isn't an option at the min.
If you are asking "how" to you just insert it making sure you never grip the flute around the key area or the lip plate.
If you are asking how far you you should insert it, well that really depends on a few things. How far you insert the head-joint is a large factor on how easy it is to play the flute in tune throughout the range. If you are consistently playing flat you need to push in the head-joint a little more, if you are consistently sharp you need to pull out. If you are having issues with being sharp or flat even though you either push all the way in or out, than you need to take the flute in to get the cork checked.
There are also other things in your personal playing which might affect if you are playing in tune or not as well. Two quick examples are if you are pinching your lips too much (sharp) or ducking your head down (flat).
You really can't push the head-joint in to far without putting some effort into it. Just be gentle with the flute. If you have trouble inserting the the head-joint into the flute (like if it seems like you have to put a fair amount of effort to get it to go in initially) than you should have it checked out to make sure the fit is right.
Thank you Arlee - I was asking how far to insert the head joint because I could hear the differences... of course every time I play I keep make adjustments for that session but then have to repeat the process next session.
I shall try playing my scales first as a test at the beginning of each practise session.
Over time you will get more used to how you play and how your flute plays and will be able to get the head-joint pretty close to where it needs to be right from the begining. It takes time, but it is a great feeling when you realize that you are playing in tune and have not had to adjust your flute
Also, it is great you noticed this difference on your own. I have met many begining flutists who seem to just blame the flute for sounding bad and don't try doing something different with it!
The headjoint should be pushed in almost all the way. Usually, modern flutes are designed for the headjoint to be pulled out about 1/8 - 1/4 inch from all the way in.
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--
