high note trouble

[falling4ever_3]

i''ve been playing the flute for about a week,
(i''m still very much a beginner) and I notice that whenever i try to hit g
(the space right about the treble clef) and the notes above it, it sounds like
the flute can''t decide what ocatve it''s in. I can hear the high g, but in
the background i can hear the low g to.. same thing for a, and b... except the
higher I go the harder it is to get the notes and more and more I can hear the
lower octave sound. Either that or i just revert to the lower ocatave entirely.
Is this normal for a beginner? Any tips? P.S. I have a YAMHAHA MODEL YFL261 if
that helps [:)]

[Penny]

Yes almost all beginners need time and practice to
get good. My two cents worth of recommendation is go back to practicing with
just the headjoint. Cover the end and produce a low note with a relaxed
embouchure having the opening on the wide side. After you find you are able to
consistantly produce a low tone, make the opening smaller and you should produce
a high note. Practice until you are consistant. Also keep an eye in the mirror
on the "fog" you produce on the embouchure plate working to keep it defined and
centered. Well maybe that was only worth 1 1/2 cents.

[fluteluversmom]

I will agree with Penny that you should make sure you
should be producing consistent low notes to aid in hitting the upper register.
Low notes are good training in learning to control air speed. I did want to add
though that the upper register requires more air support...meaning that you have
to blow a bit harder to hit those notes. You do have to learn to control the air
though as you don't want to overblow. It just takes patience and a bit of hard
work and before long you will make those high notes just sing Kim

[Penny]

I wont disagree with fluteloversmom, however, many
people discribe it as not blowing harder but since the same amount of air has to
travel through a smaller hole it has to travel faster. A common beginner mistake
is to tighten their embouchure and try and blow real hard.(overblowing as she
said) Try blowing throw your normal lip separation into your hand. Then blow
with the same effort while decreasing the size of the opening between your lips.
You can feel a faster stream that feels harder with the same effort. Just
something to consider in an effort to give you your full 2 cents of value. One
of the nice things about working just with the headjoint is you don't have to
worry about anything else like keys, fingers, position, mechanical problems, and
you get feedback based strictly on your embouchure. So take time to
experiment!

[falling4ever_3]

thanks everybody for the advice! i think i'll go
practice righ, now [:)]

[MattMom]

How'd the practicing go? Don't forget to take your
time, and be easy on yourself! Most instructional books only teach a note or two
at a time. Developing the right embouchure takes time - you're using your
facial muscles in a new way.