Piccolo and Flute Question

flutytooty91 · Post by **flutytooty91** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:21 pm

I have had some trouble with my upper range for the past couple of years..it is improving with time and work. But, I was wondering if playing piccolo forces the ombuchure(spelling?) to tighten up and get stronger, and if this would help with the upper octaves on flute.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:35 pm

It is really very different for each individual. However, be careful. Try not to let the playing on piccolo tighten your flute embouchure. Dont play with what is commonly called a "smile" type embouchure. It should be relaxed, and loose, and focused.

So, overall, it could help (it helped me, but I had to completely redo my embouchure afterwards, which was a pain.....) but dont let your embouchure tighten up. Send me a message if you want me to elaborate, or to help you out anymore.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:40 pm

In my experience, playing piccolo well does help with the upper ranges of the flute, but as FluteGuy mentioned, there are some pitfalls to avoid. Tightness in the embouchure (regardless of whether on flute or piccolo) is not something to be aimed for, but piccolo can indeed help firm the muscles needed for the embouchure, which in turn will help your flute playing. Piccolo may also help your intonation, as it is generally more difficult to control, and requires a more conscious attention to pitch.