Back at the flute after 20 years

skr · Post by **skr** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 1:25 pm

I have resumed flute lessons after not
playing for 20 years. I''m having trouble getting my high notes to sound clear
and not airy. I have tried better diaphragm usage, blowing across the flute,
better position etc. I''m not having any luck. Any suggestions? Also, what is
the best position of the tongue for proper tongueing passages?

damjan · Post by **damjan** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 4:02 pm

Dear Skr, For high notes - relax your
embochure more. You also need to focus the sound more, which means a smaller
apperture (lip opening) - this will make it less airy. The tongue strikes just
behind the upper teeth. Remember that the embochure is still relaxed and that
the tongue should basically stop and release air - but the air support should
still be there! This is important for the tonguing to sound strong (tounguing
does not create the sound, it is the air that does). I hope this helps a bit.
Best of luck.

sweetensour · Post by **sweetensour** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:44 pm

also.. since you haven't played in so
long, it will take some time before you regain all of your skills. i remember
when i could barely play A3 and i HATED that note.. now i have to deal with D4!
so keep practicing and in no time, you'll be able to play pretty high notes.
(wait, are high notes ever pretty? haha...)

BandSlave · Post by **BandSlave** » Tue Apr 08, 2003 10:50 pm

Excactly as Sweensour said, high notes
are a bother when your embachure is a little off. Just try and rediscover your
embachure for the high notes, don't tense up too much, it'll be frustrating,
but once you have a fairly good tone, you're doin great! I'm sure you'll have
it in no time. Just keep practicing and never give up! -Abby