Methodology

briannajoy · Post by **briannajoy** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:25 pm

I picked up the flute again and I'm having a hard time knowing where to start. I know I should get a book, I also wonder if there's someone I might be able to "chat" with about various questions I had. I played the flute a LONG time ago and forgot most of what I learned, though I was able to pick up the flute and play with a fingering chart pretty easily (though that isn't really hard to do). I also have a hard time finding time for practice, is it better to have a long stretch of practice or short frequent sessions? Also, it's a bit embarrasing because it sounds crappy when I play lol and where I'm at a lot of people can hear me, wondering if I should head off somewhere private (though that's hard to find here in the city) to help me relax, man it's embarrasing to be playing and sound like an idiot LOL. Anyhow just sounding off

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:11 pm

Welcome back to the flute world! A good method book probably is in order (I like the Trevor Wye books), but you might also want to consider finding a teacher (at least for a few lessons) to help make sure you don't develop any poor habits that might be difficult to correct later. As for practice, as much as you can is best....it doesn't matter whether it's all concentrated (unless you are going to be practising for 4+ hours a day....In that case you'd want to break it up), but a private area would be best if that's where you feel most comfortable. You don't want to have to be thinking in the back of your head whether the people on the street heard that wrong note or not...You just want to play. For flute questions, a teacher is best, but a flute forum like this can also be extremely helpful, so if you have questions, feel free to ask them here. We have some very knowledgeable members, and can almost certainly help you with whatever you need.

squints · Post by **squints** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 6:23 pm

Really you should just have fun with it. Play music you like not what you can. When you wan't to learn a song you like it goes fast. Write in the notes and play with enthusiasm it may not sound good but if you get complaints switch to somthing louder. I suggest drums. After a week of that any complainers will be dying for you to go back to flute.

briannajoy · Post by **briannajoy** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:59 pm

Thank you for the replies

I went today and got the first Wye book, great book! I also got another book I can't recall off the top of my head which one it was but, it was a supplement. I'd like to meet with a teacher at some point, I can't afford private lessons though

. I was really impressed with the Wye book! One thing that frustrates me though is I have a hard time getting a pure "tone" it comes out a little warbled or "off" though sometimes it comes out ok, I guess that just takes practice. Also, I can't get the beats in my head, I try to follow the book, guess I should get a metronome, or use one of the online ones, not sure what to set it at though

. I just feel like a lost, stupid beginner who forgot just about everything she learned a million years ago. I guess it will come in time

I look forward to playing jazz style again, I love playing by ear, I hated being restrained by the notes on the page.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:16 pm

You're quite right that it will all return in time. You'll likely even find it easier once you relearn all of this since you've been there before. The tone will take practice (If you dedicate some time each day to the various exercises in that Wye book, your tone should improve immensely). One suggestion is to listen to recordings of flutists and other performers to get an idea of the type of tone you want. Being able to hear what you want before you play it will help you actually get it. When in doubt, set the metronome slow (however slow it takes so that you can play the piece perfectly). For some pieces, this may be 60 B.P.M. but for others it may be in the hundreds. Have fun, and eventually you'll get it all back.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:20 pm

I took an improv class several years ago and really enjoyed it, thou I was not very good at it until fairly recently. It s nice to let everything go once in a while and just play. I see what you mean by not being restrained to the notes on the page. At times when I just need a break, I will take out a random CD and just play along with it making up harmonies as I go. It really helps me to tune out the rest of the world and focus on what I want to do, just play. As I have done this, I have also discovered that I am a bit braver to try new things as well

As for being lost, it will come in time. Be patient. Take some time to listen to players of various styles, this may help you focus on what you want to sound like, and don't be afraid to experiment with your embouchure. It may even be possible to take lessons from an advanced high school student in your area for a much lower rate to help you out. If you're luck like I am, you may even have a university within driving distance. Students at universities are often willing to take on a few lessons here and there as well. I started teaching in high school and had several adult students who wanted to learn again. It helped me earn a little cash, and helped them to be more confident in what they were trying to accomplish. I have found that for beginners (or "beginner agains" as I call those who ar re-learning as I am the piano

) it is best to practice in several short sessions throughout the day. I have my students chart their times as well as what they played so that they can visually see progress over time. It gives a little extra encouragement and helps us to see what we need outside help on (I do this as well). Don't be afraid to play out. That is one important factor that is sometimes overlooked with practice. Find a place that you can play both loud and soft. Living in the city is a challenge, but maybe you can be creative with your practice times or location. If you have a church, ask if you can use the sanctuary for practice during the week. How about a classroom at a local school or even a board room at a business or hotel when it is not in use. I have done all of these at times. When I travel, as I do much of the year, I find it helpful to get to know what is in a community that I often revisit and find out where the best practice locations are

. Find a place in which you can relax and enjoy what you are doing.

As said before, most importantly, have fun with it!