Bubbles, balloons and straws!!

[Whistler]

Hi all, These are some great methods my
teacher has shown me to help with the basics of learning to play flute. Has
anyone got any other wierd but wonderful ideas that may help? Bubbles: Blowing
bubbles with a bubble mixture is not only a great way to entertain the kids but
it is also good to help control your breathing. You can watch yourself control
the flow as the bubble gets larger, the more practice the larger the bubbles
(the longer the note)! Balloons: Party balloons are a great way of strengthening
the stomach muscles which we use to help with our breathing when playing. Blow
up balloons without puffing out your cheeks and feel the muscles work. My
teacher can blow up a balloon completely with just one breath and still have
plenty of air left, I can almost manage two breaths - how well can you do?
Straws: The straws are a fantastic way to help learn a method to play the high
notes, I found it very usefull. Hold a drinking straw between your lips holding
your lips in the same position as if to make a note on your flute (the straw
should be facing downwards) - now by using your lips and by moving your lower
jaw forward, move the straw so that it is facing upwards. This may take some
practice but once you can master this the high notes should come so much easier.
I hope these methods are usefull to someone and I can''t wait to hear of any
other great ideas. Whistler

[flautist blackie]

This may be a pretty stupid idea, but i
laugh a lot and try to control my laughter while laughing. Think of something
funny, then try to laugh in even pulses. I guess that helps with control and
using the diaphram.

[woof]

[quote] ---------------- On 10/9/2003
7:10:33 AM Balloons: Party balloons are a great way of strengthening the stomach
muscles which we use to help with our breathing when playing. Blow up balloons
without puffing out your cheeks and feel the muscles work. My teacher can blow
up a balloon completely with just one breath and still have plenty of air left,
I can almost manage two breaths - how well can you do? Straws: The straws are a
fantastic way to help learn a method to play the high notes, I found it very
usefull. Whistler ---------------- [/quote] I like the party ballon idea. Once
you are finished practicing-- well-- with all those ballons you have to have a
party--- and that is a good thing? I use empty soda bottles to practice my low
notes and straws as well for the high note. Straws are hard.

[FluteDiddy]

*** My teacher can blow up a balloon
completely with just one breath and still have plenty of air left, I can almost
manage two breaths - how well can you do? size matters