How can I make it smoother?

[Bo]

Hi,

The other day I was playing a piece with a passage from low Eb to low C and it didn't sound very smooth. Any advice on how to make it sound legato?

Thanks!!

[alex411]

Practice, make sure you carry the same tone color from note to note. And I kinda if push with your air to get a strong attack at the beginning of each note so you don't start out shaky and level out into a good note you want start on a good note.. if it helps I was taught to "lean into" the notes when playing low legato notes most of the time.

[Bo]

Thanks, I also think I had a problem with Eb to C because of my tiny pinkie...

[stawisz79]

Apart from correct breathing, air pressure etc. it's alwas good to moisture your pinkie for example by touching your forhead with it before passage (guess it was J.Zoon tip). Cheers

[alex411]

oh yea.. but i was taught to wipe the side of your nose and use your face oil.. nasty but its a lubricant!

[Bo]

Thanks, yes, I think it is a good idea.
I will also try to strengthen my pinkie, although I am also a pianist and usually have no problem with the pinkie, but of course the flute is not the piano...

[Zevang]

Bo, go for the nose 'tip'. Just take care not to use too much skin 'lubricant', because you may loose an important stability point which is the Eb key. Since your finger may slip without control. But that is also practice and I'm sure you will get it right soon

[Bo]

Thank you, Zevang. Yes, it is getting better with practice. I assume it is like with the piano. In "Playing the Piano for Pleasure" the author (Cooke) says one has to practice so-called "fractures" again and again and not be tempted to play a piece through when there are fractures. (Unfortunately many people are indeed tempted to play a piece through and neglect fractures or maybe just repeat them a couple of times...) One can apply the same principle to "playing the flute for pleasure"...

[Zevang]

You're so absolutely right!

[zummerzet_lou]

Trevor Wye has a section of exercises for this very problem in his "Technique" book .... lots of phrases using Low C, C#, D, Eb, E etc.

[flutego12]

Trevor Wye has a section of exercises for this very problem in his "Technique" book .... lots of phrases using Low C, C#, D, Eb, E etc.

Agreed. Trevor Wye's Omnibus will sort out any other "gnomes" you may encounter too.