alto flute

phil the fluter · Post by **phil the fluter** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:33 am

Is it very difficult to learn to play the alto flute going from a C flute? Does it need a lot more air?

zummerzet_lou · Post by **zummerzet_lou** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 10:17 pm

Sorry .. I can't answer your question, but quite fancy an alto flute so will be interested to hear any replies.

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:23 pm

I wouldn't say it is "difficult", but it does require a looser embrouchure and more air.

Also it has it's own intonation problems with a curved headjoint causing more issues (at least for me) than a straight headjoint (I have both).
Since I have short arms, the curved headjoint is easier to play for long periods of time.

twiggy208 · Post by **twiggy208** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 2:00 pm

I don't play the alto flute much but I have borrowed one from school a few times before. The first few times I really struggled to get out the notes higher than the 2nd C but after a while it became much easier. You have to really loosen your muscles around your mouth and instead of trying to force loads more air in I find i have to make a 'wider' air column, as if i'm trying to push the air down the whole of the flute rather than just the middle...make sense?

It does have such an amazing sound though, if anyone ever gets the chance to play an alto, take it!! Its quite hard work at first and makes you dizzy but it's all worth it in the end when you can finally play all them gorgeous low notes (: