Flutter Tonguing

notootsieno · Post by **notootsieno** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:10 pm

Okay, we're playing this piece called "Vesuvius" in wind ensemble now, and there's this one section where the flutes have to "flutter tongue." I have absolutely no idea what that is, and my band director tried explaining it to me, but I still don't get it, lol. What part of the tongue do you use exactly? What do you do? Haha, I know these are stupid questions, and I know in order to do it I have to practice it A LOT, but I just don't get the basic technique of it. So if somenoe could explain it to me, that would be GREAT. Thanks!

boglarka · Post by **boglarka** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:56 am

Hi, this is hard to explain in writing. One method of fluttering is to roll your tongue (like a native Spanish speaker does). Many people who speak only English have a hard time with this. I really don't know how to teach it. Essentially, the tip of your tongue is rolled up to the roof of your mouth and you create a rapid, repeating motion (rolled RRRRRRRRR). You might consult a Spanish teacher or a speech pathologist as to how to learn this method.

The other fluttering method is to create the sound in your throat. While playing (holding a note or whatever), you use your throat to make a very harsh "H" sound. It's also called a gutteral R. It's very similar to gargling, except you do it while you play.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 6:29 pm

i just tried this out (for kicks), i sounded like nothing more then a retard. lol.

i 'gargled' but a straight tone still came out. lol

notootsieno · Post by **notootsieno** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 3:01 pm

Thanks, boglarka. That did help a lot, now I just have to practice it! lol.

And yeah, when I do it I sound like a retard, too. Haha.

notootsieno · Post by **notootsieno** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 7:07 pm

Ooh update! I tried doing the "gargling" thing today in class and my band director told me I did it, I flutter tongued! lol. It sounded weird and I could only get it out once but hey, I guess I did it! lol.

Jamie_Babie · Post by **Jamie_Babie** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:15 pm

Is there a special sign for flutter tongue-ing, or does it just say "flutter tongue?"

notootsieno · Post by **notootsieno** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 6:34 pm

Jamie_Babie wrote:Is there a special sign for flutter tongue-ing, or does it just say "flutter tongue?"

Above the measure, it says "fltg." And then on the stem of the note there are three black diagonal dashes. That's pretty much it though.

amhso · Post by **amhso** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:57 pm

can anyone help me learn to roll my tongue...i cant do it so i wont be able to flutter.

MissPeppy27 · Post by **MissPeppy27** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 5:17 pm

ooo! I LOVE flutter tounging!!

As already stated above, the best method is to roll your tounge while playing. I have a friend who is also a flutist, and she can't roll her tounge, so usually doesn't do any flutters. She's been trying to learn how, and is having a lot of difficulty with it, so if you can't already roll your tounge...well...uh, good luck.

It takes a bit of practice. Start on notes that are still on the staff. Don't go up higher right away. Get your lips in the right position, start rolling your tounge, then blow. Roll your flute in and out unitl you get it, then you can start figuring out how to do it so that you stay in tune.

Have fun and good luck! =D

schoolgirl0125 · Post by **schoolgirl0125** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:56 pm

I thought flutter tounge thingy is all genetics. there's this one girl in my band who could do it..but me?...SRY i don't know how to Roll my rrrrrrr..thing..and the other method.umm..i don't get it^_^

rikk22 · Post by **rikk22** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:21 am

my tongue isnt the most flexible part of my body so i use the gargling method

i train when i brush my teeth

jayneice · Post by **jayneice** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:00 pm

Ok...don't laugh...I've worked for a speech pathologist for years and "shaping" the sounds using oral motor therapy is very common when working with articulation problems. The plus side it the knowledge and awareness that I've gained has helped me teach my flute students LOTS of really useful techniques for tonguing and breathing. So....the best way to develop a new oral motor skill (yes, that's what its called) is to increase sensory awareness in your mouth. Try a pancake lick, flat relaxed tongue and licking back to front on your soft (upper) palate. Say yes to gargling your milk, blowing milk bubbles in your glass and smushing stuff in the soft palate. I know your saying, how can this help, but remember the first step is building sensory awareness. Then as you've exercised and awakened your tongue muscles you can start doing the aerobic stuff like the gutteral r for the throaty flutter tongue. This also helps in your French classes too! If you are fortunate enough to be ble to roll the tongue tip then, don't worry about the exercises. But try them if you're have trouble isolating areas of your tongue for specfic movements.

Fluteorama · Post by **Fluteorama** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:08 pm

You know when you see people making that wierd noise with their mouths like 'RRRRRR Easy Tiger!' that sort of thing if you get me but do it on your flute! That's Flutter-Tounging lol.

P.S, Just don't say 'Easy Tiger' into your flute or your conductor might be a bit alarmed hehe.

rikk22 · Post by **rikk22** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:04 am

some people also seem to suggest to learn french

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