Holding Flutes

O_Phlute · Post by **O_Phlute** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:01 am

I was just wondering how everyone holds their flutes. My school music teacher (who mainly plays brass) was telling me the other day to hold my flute up higher, so it's basically 90 degrees to my body. I don't usually have it like that, just a bit lower down, but not really low.
But I'm sure I remember reading in a James Galaway book that you shouldn't have it totally 90 degrees, that it should be a bit lower. I tried to find the bit again but couldn't, but looking at pictures of James Galway playing, his flute seems to be right down, even lower than mine.

Thanks

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:09 am

Holding the flute at a 90 degree angle restricts air flow and can cause damage to yiour arms and shoulders over time. I suggest to my students that the flute should be below level when thay play, but not to the point that they feel as if they are hugging the body or there is any retriction in the arms. If you are in marching band, this may be expected of you for the visual effect, but even some marching band directors are seeing the error of their ways

You may find this somewhat helpful. It is from teh standpoint of performance health, and I have referred to this site on several occasions.
http://www.fluteinfo.com/Health/ArmPain ... lding.html

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:28 pm

Fluttiegurl is quite right as always. I play my flute angled downward (my guess would be it's at about 70 degrees from my body, but I'm not pulling out the protractor either), and tilt my head slightly to accomodate the angle. Also, with the right hand I push it out from my body as well. I do tend to play out of the left side of my mouth a little bit, so pushing out helps to get the embouchure hole in the proper position for my embouchure.

flute princess xX · Post by **flute princess xX** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:04 pm

okay, when in marching band (like i am) and you are marching you are to always have your flute at a 90 degree angle. but, when doing concert band, you may angle your flute downward. not too far. like 70 degrees. okay?.

squints · Post by **squints** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:03 pm

My director said about 90 to. I have horrible posture though and since I never made an effort to correct it I really just tune out all positioning tips from others. ……..DON’T DO THAT PLAY RIGHT!!

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:21 pm

A lot of this has to do with the individual. As I often stress, everyone is made differently. If we all follow basic rules and try to achieve the most relaxed posture possible without sacrificing sound, this would not be a matter of discussion. However, we are often taught poor habits early, or at least allowed to continue with poor habits, and they are hard to break later on.

As for the 90 degree marching band thing, I did it and so do most of my students. However, this is not good for your body, nor does it help sound. I have seen several player sstruggle with back and shoulder pain brought on by, in my opinion (though I am not a Dr.) marching band habits. I think it is very important that players have an understanding of both scenerios as well as playing while standing and sitting. You can do a few things to help. For starters, puching the flute away from your body slightly does aleviate some of the added tension even when at a 90 degree angle.

Why all of the fuss? After many years of playing (I'm a little self conscious about my age

), I have experienced both arm and shoulder problems from playing. As I get even older

I am looking toward my future as a musician much more seriously as I intend to play to the very end of my days! When working with students, I think it is vital that they plan for this early on, even if they will not all become performers later on. If we hurt, we don't enjoy the music and the joy we get from making it.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:31 pm

when you are in a concert scenario, you should hold the flute in a comfortable position. For some people, the flute is lower than others, and higher than others. It is completely up to you. Ignore your band director on this issue. Hold your flute comfortably, but be sure you are supporting your flute with your arm (some people are lazy, and support thier flute by propping their arm up on their chair). But overall, just relax.

amizade · Post by **amizade** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:41 pm

well...my directors make the flutes have their flutes parallel to the ground outside on the field but when inside in concert seating we always have it slightly below below parallel...and yes..90 degrees all the time REALLY DOES HURT after 4 hours of marching practice!! hehe