Trouble playing certain notes

[Abbey]

Hi! I've just started playing flute. I can blow air into the flute head and get a sound, but when I work with certain notes (usually ones lower or higher), I can't get a sound. If I blow really hard, I get a sound that's very high pitched.

Is this a problem with my embouchure since I'm a beginner? If so, what are ways to get better at it? Are you supposed to change the shape and size of your lips depending on the note?

Thanks!

[fluteguy18]

It could be a lot of things. My first guess is that it is indeed because you are a beginner. Your embouchure needs to change in order to change registers.

If your flute is not brand new (and from a reputable manufacturer and a reputable dealer) I would also ensure that your instrument has been looked over by a qualified technician. If the flute is not working well, then it won't play well.

[serena]

Hello! I've been teaching myself to play the flute for three weeks and I used to think there was something wrong with the flute, but it was just me. I looked at lots of theory books etc; and they nearly put me off; so I decided to buy a beginners book for 7-11 year olds. Its written by an Australian, and is called, "Let's Play Flute", by Andrew Scott. It is so brilliant and simple, that I am now up to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I used to have trouble with all the left hand notes when I first started learning and could hardly get a sound out. Now the sound is sweet and easy! At the moment I am having the same trouble changing from the D note. I find it really hard, but if I practise every day for half an hour, a day, then the D note will be just as easy as the left hand notes! Its all to do with keeping at practising, and having a book that makes you want to learn more! I'm an older person and read somewhere that if you are an oldie wanting to learn how to use a computer, to get a book written for kids as it is in simple english. Well! I applied that theory to my flute playing and bought the Andrew Scott book. Honestly I recommend you buy one! As it will encourage a passion for flute playing ))

[serena]

In the flute book I am learning out of, called, Let's play flute, by Andrew Scott, it tells you to 'tongue' evey note. Don't worry about the size of the opening, just make the, Too, tongue sound when getting the air out. Another thing I found out from my own experience is that if you aren't relaxed and try to force the air out, you won't get a sound. Relax, and blow gently (moderately). I also discovered by accident that if you blow air fast you will get higher notes, and if you blow air slower, you will get lower notes. Hope this helps!