Playing both C and alto flutes

[jemarch]

I finally got a Trevor James Performance Series alto flute, and I am very happy with it. The lower register is incredibly rich, and it makes a very good companion to the little (in comparison) miyazawa.

My plan is to alternate practicing with the concert and the alto flutes: one day concert, next day alto. But I am a bit concerned about the impact of playing alto on my skills playing the concert flute... what is the best strategy for playing both instruments? Anyone with experience?

Is playing concert/alto flutes really doubling?

[goldenflute]

Congratulations on the purchase of your new alto flute! I remember how exciting it was when I first got mine. My "strategy" for playing both is switch back and forth often. Play the concert for awhile, then put it down and pick up the alto. Play that one for awhile and then go back to the concert flute. The alto will feel very big at first, but the more you switch back and forth, the more familiar and comfortable it'll be for you. I found that by doing this often enough, I could pick up either flute and be comfortable with whatever I was playing. That's what you are aiming for: comfort and familiarity. Then you can concentrate on the music and not on the instrument.

[jemarch]

Congratulations on the purchase of your new alto flute! I remember how exciting it was when I first got mine. My "strategy" for playing both is switch back and forth often. Play the concert for awhile, then put it down and pick up the alto. Play that one for awhile and then go back to the concert flute. The alto will feel very big at first, but the more you switch back and forth, the more familiar and comfortable it'll be for you. I found that by doing this often enough, I could pick up either flute and be comfortable with whatever I was playing. That's what you are aiming for: comfort and familiarity. Then you can concentrate on the music and not on the instrument.

Hey, thanks for the advice!

Do you mean to switch back and forth in the same day, or different days? I am asking because I found that if I switch to the concert flute immediately after being playing the alto, I have problems re-adjusting my embouchure to the smaller hole of the C flute. It is probably a matter of getting used to it, as you said.

[goldenflute]

Yes, absolutely, switch back and forth during the same practice session. I know when you return to the C flute, it takes a bit of re-adjusting to find your embouchure. But that's the point ot switching back and forth. You have to train your lips to make the switch. Its hard at first, but soon you will build up your muscle memory and be able to go back and forth without even thinking about it.