Anyway, I'm the proud owner of a Trevor James now and my playing is much improved (despite not having the time to practice as I often as I would like) but I'm having lots of trouble with lower C.
I have tried adjusting how much of my lip covers the embouchure hole, how much I tilt the flute either way, blowing harder and softer, whether I blow straight across the hole or angle it to the left or right - all sorts and still I just can't get it.
Can anyone offer some tips? I know I should look into lessons but at the moment they're totally off the cards as I just can't afford it right now.
You mentioned experimenting with where you were directing your air, but didn't list one change that might help a lot...Try lowering the airstream so that you're blowing into the flute (rather than across the EH). Assuming your instrument is leak-free (which could also be causing problems with the bottom end of the range), this should help you produce C more reliably. You might also try diffusing the airstream slightly more. I would suggest working from a solid note somewhere in the middle of the first octave (maybe a G1 or A1) and slowly slur downwards chromatically to the C. When you get there, take note of how you're using your air, how your embouchure is set, etc. and try to reproduce this. Once you can slur into Low C without any problems, try the same exercise, but tongue each note. When you're comfortable with that, you can start attacking right on the C, working it until the sound and response are reliable. Hope that helps!
Also, don't always assume that a new flute is leak free. That could very easily be a problem, which flutepicc06 mentioned. Most of the new flutes that I have purchased over the years did need some kind of fine tune adjusting before it was leak free and ready to go.
Thank you both - I've been practising and blowing my little lips off and have finally got it!!
I think the problem was a combination of airstream direction and simply not holding down the split key on the foot joint properly. (What IS that called? Its gone completely out of my head!)
Anyway, "Away in a Manger" doesn't sound quite so silly now!!
Ali P wrote:Thank you both - I've been practising and blowing my little lips off and have finally got it!!
I think the problem was a combination of airstream direction and simply not holding down the split key on the foot joint properly. (What IS that called? Its gone completely out of my head!)
Anyway, "Away in a Manger" doesn't sound quite so silly now!!
Glad we could help!
Those keys you're talking about are probably the C# spatula and the Low C roller. Though you shouldn't have to if the flute is adjusted properly, it often helps to put some pressure on the C# when you're playing Low C to be sure it's sealing properly.
Along with relaxing your jaw for a slightly wider air stream, you can also cheat by slapping a key.
For low C, I like slapping the G key (ring finger, left hand) while simultaneously starting the air stream. Find whatever works for you, but don't slap the key so hard as to make it noticeable to those listening. I usually only use this method if I'm going to need to hit the note hard and loud. This way you cannot even hear the key slapping.
When needing to start a low note with some umph, I start the air stream in sort of a 'huff.' Not sure how else to describe it, but it works quite well and gives me excellent tonal quality. I practiced this repeatedly for quite a while. It's not something you will pickup overnight.
How do you tell if the foot joint keys are out of position? I'm veeeery interested in this post 'cause I have all kinds of problems with the low C on my Yamaha. I got it last September -- should I take it in and ask them to look it over to see if there is a mechanical reason?
