I am heading into my last year of High School, and I'm considering learning Piccolo so I can double Flute/Piccolo, in Concert Band. I assume this will give me some advantage heading into University music, and also with orchestral stuff.
I'm sitting (Standing?!) Grade 7 in 2 weeks, so was considering getting a Piccolo to reward myself, and to give myself something to work on over our Summer break.
If I do decide to play Piccolo, my main focus will still be flute, I will be checking up with my Flute teacher fairly regularly, but mostly be working on it myself.
Just wanted to ask from experience (Your experience) if it messes with Flute embouchure at all? I have played a picc once, and recall it needing a tighter, more tense embouchure, but wether this is right or not?
Also, would it be okay to get a 'cheaper' (I'm thinking of one, 'Henley' brand, seems to be a slightly nicer Asian brand) Picc to start, as I'm only doubling, or would it be worth getting a Yamaha or something? I understand how important it is to have a good quality student flute (My Yamaha was awesome, now am on a Pearl 795RBE). Is this AS important fro Piccolo's?
Thanks in advance!
Considering learning Piccolo
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
First off, learning piccolo will only make your flute playing better over all. Once you get use to the Piccolo embouchure, it will improve you altissimo on flute. You made a comment about the embouchure being "tighter" on piccolo. Actually, the opposite is the case. More focus yes, tighter lips no!
If you are going to buy a cheap piccolo, buy one from a reputable dealer, and play on it first if you can. If the Piccolo is playable, and does not fall apart in a month, chances are it will last you for quite a while. THe main thing you lose with a playable cheap instrument is durability.
Check out Section 2 of the FAQ
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411
Phineas
If you are going to buy a cheap piccolo, buy one from a reputable dealer, and play on it first if you can. If the Piccolo is playable, and does not fall apart in a month, chances are it will last you for quite a while. THe main thing you lose with a playable cheap instrument is durability.
Check out Section 2 of the FAQ
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411
Phineas
IMHO it's a good idea to get some picc skills - can make you a very useful addition to the ensemble especially with concert band. It can also be a lot of fun playing picc!
I agree with Phineas about the embouchure. If you allow your picc embouchure to become too tense your picc tone will become thin and pinched and you will find it difficult to swap quickly between picc and flute for those pieces which require quick changes, especially when changing from passages requiring a lot of third octave picc to first octave flute. You must keep your picc embouchure as relaxed as possible to have any control over your flute tone and intonation.
FWIW I would spend the extra cash and and buy a picc from a reputable manufacturer. Gemeinhardt, Pearl and Yamaha all seem to have their fans and would be reasonable choices for a starter instrument. Emerson piccs are also available in NZ although I don't know much about these instruments. Play test as many as you can before you buy.
If you end up as an occasional picc player a reliable basic picc from a reputable maker may be all you will ever need and will last you a long time with good maintenance. As an occasional doubler I play a Yamaha YPC 31 which I have owned for 30+ years and which continues to serve me well.
Good luck with your picc playing adventures!
I agree with Phineas about the embouchure. If you allow your picc embouchure to become too tense your picc tone will become thin and pinched and you will find it difficult to swap quickly between picc and flute for those pieces which require quick changes, especially when changing from passages requiring a lot of third octave picc to first octave flute. You must keep your picc embouchure as relaxed as possible to have any control over your flute tone and intonation.
FWIW I would spend the extra cash and and buy a picc from a reputable manufacturer. Gemeinhardt, Pearl and Yamaha all seem to have their fans and would be reasonable choices for a starter instrument. Emerson piccs are also available in NZ although I don't know much about these instruments. Play test as many as you can before you buy.
If you end up as an occasional picc player a reliable basic picc from a reputable maker may be all you will ever need and will last you a long time with good maintenance. As an occasional doubler I play a Yamaha YPC 31 which I have owned for 30+ years and which continues to serve me well.
Good luck with your picc playing adventures!