Ugh..

Alternate Fingerings, Scales, Tone, Studies, etc.

Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas

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NekoNoKage
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:35 pm
Location: Oregon

Ugh..

Post by NekoNoKage »

I don't know why, but even when I really try not to, I overblow and squeak. The people around me think it's annoying but I don't get why I do it..I'm okay with high notes and low notes, but the middle notes I just squeak and squeak..><;; Help?
I play flute and tenor sax. Fear. ^_^

Band_Geek
Posts: 116
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:39 pm

Post by Band_Geek »

Try and slow down your breathing.

NekoNoKage
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:35 pm
Location: Oregon

Post by NekoNoKage »

I'll try that.
I play flute and tenor sax. Fear. ^_^

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Phineas
Posts: 962
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2005 1:08 am

Post by Phineas »

Just a few comments for thought.

Often when playing in certain situations, you will need more volume. Especially when playing in Jazz or Rock/Pop bands. Overblowing is an attempt usually to get more volume. The problem is if the air flow is not focused properly, no matter how hard you blow, you will not play any louder. The key to getting a loud and clear sound is to first practice how to correctly control your breathing to get the best tone without breathe noise. Once you master this, then you increase your airstream. I have been playing for many years, and I still have to practice this when I change instruments or headjoints.

It is really hard to describe how to achieve this without seeing what you may be doing wrong.

Also do not rule out that you may have a leak in your instrument causing it. It caould also be caused by a pad not seating properly.

Hope this helps

Phineas

NekoNoKage
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:35 pm
Location: Oregon

Post by NekoNoKage »

Now that I htink of it, I do think there are a couple of keys not going down all the way..
I play flute and tenor sax. Fear. ^_^

piccolopete
Posts: 15
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 6:20 pm
Location: Inside of my new flute case

Post by piccolopete »

If you have a Gemeinhardt flute, the B flat and F sharp keys often get small leaks that you won't notice until you leave them unattended. Pehaps this is the problem? Have a competent repair person check out your flute.
I'm going to be the best flutist in state! CHA!!

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