I struggle to play the 2/3 lowest notes on my alto flute !

[gerardo1000]

Hi! I just purchased a pre-owned Gemeinhardt alto flute, completely serviced and re-padded. When I try to play the lowest notes, especially the last couple, G and G#,I go to the higher octave. I mean: I have problems in keeping the lowest octave. And the few times that I manage to play them without changing octave, they sound weak and with a low volume. Being new to the alto, I wonder if this is normal for a beginner ? I had the flue checked and the technician said that it is perfect, with no leaks. I have no problems at all playing the low notes of my C flute. I hope that the problem is in my embouchure, and not in my flute ! Any opinions and or suggestions are welcome !

[pied_piper]

It's not unusual to struggle a bit when first switching from C flute to alto flute. The alto requires a looser embouchure so there is a period of adjustment. The C flute also uses a faster air stream than alto, so just relax your lips more than usual and blow gently at first. Practice playing long tones pianissimo so that you are not blowing the air too fast. Play some notes that you can play comfortably then go down a half step and play that note on long tones. Continue going down lower to extend your range lower but do it gradually. Once you get the feel for it, then play a bit louder and maintain control to keep your alto in the lower register. Practice and you will get it, but it does take a bit of time to adjust.

[SylvreKat]

I recommend checking out Dr Chris Potter's videos on youtube. I think she's playing her bass on them, but the techniques crossover to alto. Here's the link to her homepage--

https://www.youtube.com/user/altofluteDR

Actually, I probably need to go back through them myself.

>'Kat

[gerardo1000]

Yesterday I stopped by Flute World which is a 30 minutes drive from my home, and tested a brand new Pearl and a brand new Dean Jang (both student flutes models). With the Pearl flute I had exactly the same issue that I have with my Gemeinhardt: difficulty in playing the last couple of low notes. Wit the Dean Jang flute.... no problems at all ! I was able to play all low notes well and with good volume... I am really confused now. May be it is a combination between my embouchure and the way each flute's lip plate is cut.