I have recently started playing the flute. It's not my main, but I would really like to learn. I've played trumpet for 6-7 years in high school and a few other brass instruments for kicks. I've always believed that my air support is lacking. The longest I can play a note (mid C) is 11-13 seconds on the flute, and thats just on non-moving notes. Does the size of your embochure effect your air support? Mine seems pretty wide. Can someone describe to me how it should look. Any help appretiated.
Also, I cannot hit the F on the top of the staff. I go above and below but nothing comes out when I get to F.
Lack of lungs and small embochure
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
Endurance is different with flute, versus brass. There's no resistance, and we basically are the mouthpiece. The size of the aperture does impact the amount of air escaping from the embouchure, and you'll be able to hold the note longer if the air is escaping a smaller opening (aperture). What books are you using, or are you working with a teacher at all? It would be helpful to consult a teacher at least to help you get started, and avoid bad habits. The Trevor Wye Beginner Book for Flute (book 1) is good, with some illustrations. Don't think of "making an embouchure", rather, allow the air to open your lips. Say the syllable "poo", allowing the air to open your lips and place them in a good position. Spread as much of your lower lip across the lip plate as possible, and allow the corners to come forward.
"There is no 'Try'; there is only 'Do'."--Yoda
-
fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
yeah, the "poo" suggestion is a good one. Also, if you say the word "hope", you put a small amount of pressure against your teeth with the corners if your mouth. Where you apply the pressure, is where the corners of you mouth should be when playing flute. This is also a good way to get a good starting place. If you say hope, or poo, you will have your mouth in a good position.
Also, the "F" issue. It might be the flute and not you, but because I cant see the instrument, or you playing it, I cant really tell. Have a tech look at it, or an expierianced flutist around you to help you diagnose the problem. After diagnosed, if it is the flute, have a repair tech fix it, or someone who is trained to repair.
Also, the "F" issue. It might be the flute and not you, but because I cant see the instrument, or you playing it, I cant really tell. Have a tech look at it, or an expierianced flutist around you to help you diagnose the problem. After diagnosed, if it is the flute, have a repair tech fix it, or someone who is trained to repair.
Agree with fluteguy, it will be good to send the flute to the eyes of a technician. It could be just a matter of a little adjustment.
Adding to the mouth matter, avoid learning an embouchure that uses any kind of "smiling". Work is done in the center section of the upper lip. Corners of the mouth, and EVERYTHING else in your face must remain relaxed.
And search for a teacher urgently. Nothing can be done better than with a person who sees what you're doing, and acctually understands it.
Zevang
Adding to the mouth matter, avoid learning an embouchure that uses any kind of "smiling". Work is done in the center section of the upper lip. Corners of the mouth, and EVERYTHING else in your face must remain relaxed.
And search for a teacher urgently. Nothing can be done better than with a person who sees what you're doing, and acctually understands it.
Zevang