Playing is very breathy...

[Flute lover]

Hello, I'm new here and new to the flute as well.
I have played the sax for approx. 30 years and I would really love to learn how to play the flute.

I happen to be 53 and it's been 12 days (don't laugh) since I began to practice.
I have the fingerings down pretty good but my tone is more breath than tone.
I know it's only been 12 days. I'm not expecting miracles. I do practice long tones alot.

My only question here is....Is it common for someone like me to encounter this breathyness and in time will less breathyness come with practice? Do all beginners encounter this same breathyness?

Thank you

[fluttiegurl]

Every beginner is different. I have had students who started with a beautiful tone and others who had to work at it. I highly recommend working with a live teacher, even if for only a few lessons. I teacher should be able to give you some tips on embouchure.

[Fleming]

>Is it common for someone like me to encounter this breathyness
>and in time will less breathyness come with practice?
If you're teaching yourself then I would expect it, yes. In my experience teaching, a breathy sound is usually the result of one the following:

• Blowing too hard to make an octave. You want a faster stream, but not necessarily more air. A faster stream is created by shrinking your aperture without changing how hard you blow.
• Too much/too little lower lip. Try covering about 2/3 of the embouchure hole with your lower lip.
• A weak angle (usually too high). Try using your lips to direct the air stream so that it strikes the outer edge of the embouchure hole at the same angle of the cut.

Experimentation is fine, that's pretty much the only way you'll find your own sound. But you should find a teacher, if only to show you the basics. It'll save you a lot of time later on.

>Do all beginners encounter this same breathyness?
Generally, unless they're lucky enough to find a good embouchure right off the bat.

[Flute lover]

Thank you very much for your advice Fluttiegurl, Fleming....

[Tamarfl2]

Since you just started playing, I wouldn't be too upset about breathiness. Try to focus your embouchure as much as possible. Support with your lower lip, pull back at the corners of your mouth and blow straight across the mouthpiece. Also, make sure the curve of the mouthpiece is snug against your chin under your lip.

With practice you'll notice your tone improving, it does take some time.

[Fox]

I'm having the same trouble with my middle range notes. It can be frustrating, but it's now becoming less breathy the more I practice long tones. Just takes time and practice

[Tamarfl2]

Are you trying to learn completely on your own? What books are you using? It's hard to learn an instrument without any help.

[Fox]

I go once in a while to a flute teacher to see how I'm doing and get a bit of tips on what I should be working on.

I am using Trevor Wye's "Beginner book for the flute" and his "Practice books for the flute volume 1"

[Flute lover]

Actually, it's been 1 month now since I started to play the flute.
My breathyness has subsided alot and now my notes are beginning to become more cleaner.

Yes, Tamarfl2, that's exactly what I have been doing. I also have placed a marking on my headjoint connecting to the main body of the flute this way I know exactly how to line them up. This postion seems to work consistently for me.

I am not seeking a teacher although possibly it's recommended. I have been playing the sax for 30 years. I seem to be making good progress now. Besides, it's more of a hobby than anything else.

I too spend some time on long tones. Also, I happen to have a very cheap flute. I bought it new for $120. My intonation is very good and my tone is improving all the time. Possibly in time I may purchase a better model.

I have picked up a lot of good advice online from various information I have found.............

I appreciate the advice some have offered right here. I now know that in time I will only improve.

[Dirty_Dave]

The best flute advice I ever received was "spend half your practice time on tone."

[Flute lover]

The best flute advice I ever received was "spend half your practice time on tone."

And good advice it is Dave. This is exactly what I do whenever I pick up the flute.

Your tone on flute is beautiful!
Actually, your tone on all the instruments you play is beautiful!