Playing notes above high A

[Classitar]

Welcome jbueno0416!

[Zevang]

Two things you might try (one of them, or both):

a) raise your head a bit
b) project the jaw a little forward

Both solutions are done to make the airstream change a bit its direction. It can make this B-flat a little higher, which btw is known as a flat note on older flute scales.

[pied_piper]

Some possible causes of flat notes in the third octave are:

Not enough breath support
Not moving the air fast enough
Headjoint cork not positioned correctly (See the link below for instructions to check it)

http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopi ... ark#p24376

[lianeandflute]

I think you should experiment with the methods given above to try to change it, but if that doesn't work, it's definitely worth getting it checked out by a good flute technician.

[lianeandflute]

If it was me I would say supporting the air (abdominal muscles).
But also with high notes you need to make the hold in your lips smaller (not by tensing though) so the air comes out faster. It's like a hose. Turn it on and water comes out, if you put your thumb over the hole half way, the water comes out faster, the more of the hole you cover (therefore making the hole which the water comes out of smaller), the faster the water comes out. But it's not more water - same amount of water coming out, just faster. So this is what needs to happen with higher notes, faster air stream (but not more air - i.e. not just blowing more.) This is where a lot of abdominal support comes to support to air stream.

[pied_piper]

If it was me I would say supporting the air (abdominal muscles).
But also with high notes you need to make the hold in your lips smaller (not by tensing though) so the air comes out faster. It's like a hose. Turn it on and water comes out, if you put your thumb over the hole half way, the water comes out faster, the more of the hole you cover (therefore making the hole which the water comes out of smaller), the faster the water comes out. But it's not more water - same amount of water coming out, just faster. So this is what needs to happen with higher notes, faster air stream (but not more air - i.e. not just blowing more.) This is where a lot of abdominal support comes to support to air stream.

That's an excellent analogy! I'll remember that one the next time I have to explain this to another novice flutist.

[lianeandflute]

i think i read the analogy somewhere on this forum!! i really liked it so it stuck in my head. i can't remember who said it. possibly fluteguy18 but not sure.

[Bo]

I can currently play up to the C# (OK) - D (more difficult) after the high A you mention, but found it difficult too in the beginning. I start to have problems after the C#-D, but it is my intention to practice those high notes more. I haven't met many notes that high in exercises and when I occasionally find one it doesn't come out very nice...

[wkzh]

A bit late but...

Given that it is SO flat, I'm inclined to think that there's something wrong with the cork position? Might also be problems with covering too much of the embouchure hole with the lower lip.