Well, I’m finally taking the plung and expanding my insrtument repertoire. After reading several posts on the subject, both here and at the flute forum, I made an order with the Whistle Shop for a 3-piece Dixon Polymer flute. Quite an expense for a university student but I think my budget can handle it.
Sadly, they’re out of stock right now, so I’m going to have to wait an extra few weeks! I’m not the patient type when it comes to waiting for what I want. I imagine I’ll be impossible to live with by the two week mark. “Is my flute here yet? Is my flute here yet? Is my flute here yet?..” hehehe…
Does anyone have any advice/wisdom/warnings for when I finally get my flute? I’d appreciate any help! I understand it can be a little difficult getting started.
From both sites, follow the links too. If your flute still is not there, go over to the Flute board and read old threads about technique, there are lots.
I’m not qualified to give any advice, as I’m in much the same situation as you are (only that I don’t have a Dixon 3-piece, but a Hammy practice flute). I’m busy playing looooong notes, trying to train my face / lips / mouth to develop an embouchure that at least sounds the same each time I pick up the flute, and trying some (slow) tunes. And it’s lovely.
Be patient–it will probably take quite a while to develop a good embouchure. If your jaw and mouth muscles get tight, put the flute down and play the whistle for a while. In time, it will come.
Oh, and you will notice how ergonomically perfect whistles are. Flutes are not, and various parts of your body will start to hurt. I hope this gets better with time.
I’m not the patient type when it comes to waiting for what I want. I imagine I’ll be impossible to live with by the two week mark. “Is my flute here yet? Is my flute here yet? Is my flute here yet?..” hehehe…