Will being sick affect your flute playing abilities?

Sharony711 · Post by **Sharony711** » Fri Nov 01, 2002 6:25 pm

I''ve been playing flute for
about 5 years now. I recently got a new flute and it''s worked really well for
me. The tone quality is great! For the last couple of days I''ve had a sore
throat and a cold. Whenever I go to play my flute I can barely get anything out!
When I do get a sound out it''s REALLY flat and airy. It''s like I''ve
lost ALL of my abilities and it sounds like I''m just learning how to play.
I''m not playing any differently and I know it''s not my flute because when
other people play it it''s fine. It''s really embarrassing to not be able to
play anymore. Would somebody please help me out? My band teacher doesn''t
really care. -Thanks a bunch [:blackeye:]

Starqle · Post by **Starqle** » Sat Nov 02, 2002 10:47 pm

yes, being sick can
impact your playign drastically, esp. if it's a respiratory illness such as a
cold. Just take it easy for a few days - if it gets worse, stop playing
altogether. And after you've recovered, wipe off your embouchure plate with
rubbing alch. I hope you get better soon.

Sharony711 · Post by **Sharony711** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 11:58 am

Wow this is a great
message board, thanks a lot for the response, I've been getting better and so
has my playing [:)]

Cass · Post by **Cass** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 9:14 pm

Another thing that
will affect your flute playing ability (that I have not seen posted yet) is your
posture. The best body position that works for me is standing relaxed with my
feet a little bit apart. When I sit down, I always sit at the edge of my seat
and my legs are never crossed because it cramps your body up and your diphragm
cannot expand as much as it needs to. A lot of people don't realize how much
air it takes to blow into the flute until they start private lessons and the
first thing your instructor tells you is "Not enough air for a solo sound!".
(BTW, I love this site! I'm going to have to come here everyday now! The
metronome is my favorite feature!)

FlutiePebbles · Post by **FlutiePebbles** » Fri Nov 15, 2002 9:29 pm

I find that a lot
of times, when I have a cold, I have to take more breaths as I play--it's
probably because I can't get in as much air at one time as usual.
~*FlutiePebbles