Adult Learner

SeanV · Post by **SeanV** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 3:32 pm

It has been quite a few months since I last posted. This
one is just a little celebration and a big thank you to all on this site who
have helped me with their comments and suggestions on flute playing and
technique. It is now ten months since I first picked up the flute, and the
learning process has become a real joy to me. As an adult learner, the flute has
definitely been a challenge, especially in the first few months of finding my
way around the instrument. A local teacher was gracious enough to take me on as
a pupil, and even as the oldest of the lot, the experience has been rewarding. I
enrolled for the UNISA exams earlier this year, and have just achieved Grade 4
with Merit. Thanks once again for a great site. Kind regards SeanV[;)]

damjan · Post by **damjan** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 3:10 am

Thanks, Sean, and Congratulations on your success ! Keep
doing the great work. Regards,

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 8:08 pm

UNISA? Don't know what that is but level 4 sounds like
very good progress in such a short time. congrats.

kuka · Post by **kuka** » Mon Oct 13, 2003 10:52 am

I'm happy to know that i'm not the only adult (59) that
learns to play the flute. I study for 6 weeks. I enjoy every moment. Also my
teacher is very setisfied. The only problem that I have is the breathing. Do you
have any tip for me? Thanks and good luck Rivka

dancingflutist3000 · Post by **dancingflutist3000** » Mon Oct 20, 2003 8:31 pm

About breathing...my band director has told us that no
matter what pace music you play its always good to squeeze in breathes of air to
last you a few measures. You have to do it fast and make it short or else
you'll have a BIG gap in the music. Of course breath on the rests. I don't
know if this is what you ment by breathing tips but this is really all I've
got.

wom · Post by **wom** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 12:48 pm

Hi Kuka - >>The only problem that I have is the
breathing. Do you have any tip for me?<< Intercostal diaphragmatic breathing.
All it really means is that you need to practice breathing in such a way that
your shoulders stay still and your lower abdomen expands. Usually when we
breathe, we do the opposite - our shoulders rise and the abdomen is unaffected.
With this technique, we are breathing much lower and consequently, filling the
lungs more effectively and more efficiently. Hope this helps. Will

kuka · Post by **kuka** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 2:15 pm

Thanks a lot for your tip[:)]

kuka · Post by **kuka** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 2:17 pm

Thanks alot. It really helps. Rivka[:)]