Note: I’m a relatively new forum member, let me know if this type of posting is allowed
Hi everyone,
I’m 2 months into learning the wooden flute and am having an absolute blast. I wanted to keep video record of how I’m progressing for several reasons. 1) It’s fun to do 2) It’s great to hear yourself playing to get better understanding of your sound, 3) It gives others an opportunity to provide feedback/critique my playing. Here’s a recording for my latest progress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0CcIw8khyM
I’ve been practicing everyday, am addicted to listening to ITM, and picked up Grey Larsen’s essential guide book. Overall I’m happy with my progression, but here are some areas I’m struggling with:
Embochure takes a while to warm up (and somedays it never feels like it fully warms up). Some days when I pick up the flute I feel like I’ve completely forgotten about the correct feeling until after I’ve played for a while.
I feel like the amount of lip coverage of the embochure directly influences my ability to hit the upper octave, however, the more coverage I have the weaker my low D sounds. I’m curious if there is an optimal amount of lip coverage where you can hit both low notes and easily hit upper octaves? My embochure is probably a little week.
My right hand (lower hand) pinky feel natural to place onto the flute, however, I then find myself struggling to do low D taps. What do you guys do with your lower hand pinky?
I would appreciate any feedback in general on tone, tune rhythm, … Criticism on things I"m doing wrong is also appreciated (as long as it’s constructive )
I think you are doing fantastic for only two months on the flute… most new players find it can take up to a year to develop a strong consistent tone!
As for hole coverage… often players rotate the flute forward ever so slightly for higher notes, resulting in less lip coverage of the hole and the air jet traveling across the hole to the further edge. Conversely lower notes can be stronger by rotating the flute inward, resulting in the lip covering more of the hole but more importantly directing the air jet into the hole. In practicality I am not rolling my flute in and out, but rather starting with a standard hold (for me favoring the lower notes) and only rolling it forward as needed for higher notes before returning to standard position. Some players move their lower jaw in and out rather than roll the flute to accomplish the same effect. Problem is that all mouths are unique and there is no one technique that suits everybody.
Again, I enjoyed the video and congratulate you on your progress!
Thanks for the feedback and kind words, interesting comment about rolling the flute… I’ve just recently noticed my jaw movements which have been subconscious up to this point so I’ll be mindful of both of those things to see what I can learn with them.
I think it’s very interesting learning about all of these new variables/levers that affect your sound.
I agree you’re doing very well for two months in! As to your pinky question, it’s normal for it to move together with your ring finger when playing the low D. No need to force it to stay in contact with the flute when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable to do so.
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