I have a question. The only instruments I’ve played before that require an embouchure are beer and wine bottles, cider jugs, aluminum soda cans, and a 5 gallon jug (which makes a low hoot about half a second long with full lungs). Never a flute.
So, I’m curious about average wind requirement for a simple system flute, and I’ve got a reference some may be familiar with. I play a couple Low D whistles, the Burke being the one that requires the most huffing and puffing. Well… actually I have two questions.
In general, how would you (those that have played Low D whistles) compare the breath requirement between a Low D whistle and a wooden keyless flute? I assume I’m asking for a somewhat broad generalization, but for my very limited experience it will suffice.
I’ve successfully produced a decently intoned “sound” at each note on my flute, but it feels like I’m wasting my breath (pun not intended). As embouchure improves does the breath requirement go down significantly?
I think recent de-lurkers are entitled to two posts in the first fortnight, so I’ll sit in a corner quietly now and play.
Much thanks!
In my experience, a low whistle takes at least as much air as a flute. Playing softly on a flute probably takes a good deal less. A Burke low D whistle really takes quite a lot of air. In return, it makes a rather nice sound.
Yes. Low notes will take less air as your embouchure improves, but still relatively quite a lot. High notes will require a whole lot less, especially if played quietly.
Tighten the corners of the mouth, more the higher the pitch. Try to focus the airstream.
As embouchure improves breath requirement drops
markedly. Finally flute doesn’t take as much breath
as many whistles. It’s like putting your thumb over
the end of a garden hose so that the water shoots
out in a fine stream through the narrow aperture.
Takes awhile to get there.
I’ve been on my M&E for two months now and the breath requirements are definitely much better as i’m beginning to get a good grip on my embouchure.
I was almost in despair when i started playing it, managing about 4 quavers per breath and horrible sounding they were as well. I’ve found that practicing quiet slow and fast scales throughout the range, and playing whole tunes as quietly and clearly as possible has really helped improve everything.
I (and others) will tell you that the more you practice and stick with it, the better the emboucher becomes, and the better the ability to use your breath effectively. It isn’t too bad for me now, and I have been “playing at” playing keyless flute for about 3 years now. Still, depends on the day and the flute.
I can tell you that now that I am accustomed to the flute, the whistles that I once thought were difficult are easy, and my singing voice has improved dramatically, as well.
Just to second what’s already been said, in my experience after you’ve played flute long enough to learn an efficient embouchure, you actually use more air playing most whistles.
Of course, you don’t get there in just a few months, either.
I think the key with flutes and fifes is not so much how much air they take but how much force. It is hard for me to guess how much a flute takes vs a whistle because the flute needs a much more focused and forceful air stream.
Learning the flute takes time, and it has to do with getting the technique of playing as well as building up the 100s of small muscles in your lips and mouth. The best bet is to start off practice often (if you can) a couple times a day, but for short periods of time. Then slowly build up to longer periods of time.
I think may new flute players complain that they start off sounding good then (for some odd reason) end up sounding bad. Its because the small muscles get exhausted and stop working…they are not like the larger muscles that get “tired” and sore…these just stop.
So, start off playing for short time periods more often (if you can, say in the AM before work, then in the evening after work).
By the way, Screeeech, I like your “Quote” about trees.
Have a happy Yule.
If that’s a Reyburn low-D in your avatar, the flute will eventually take less air. When eventually happens depsnds on you. Some have cited a few months, for me a “few” was more like 15-20.
I had forgotten that a month ago I couldn’t find the air for two notes. It was one of the things that frustrated me about playing. I’m going to celebrate now that I’ve noticed my accomplishment.
For me, it has been about 6 months to get it right about half of the time. When I get the embouchure right, I feel as though I could play all day, it is so easy. When I get it wrong, the sound is weak and flat and I go dizzy. The only way to fix it is to stop and work on a long low D until I can play it clearly. Sometimes even this doesn’t work and I know I have been playing too long - time to give the muscles a break!
I don’t know if anyone has ever done a psychological profile of flute players. Persistence, patience and a bit of basic self-belief must be in high supply (or maybe just plain stubborness). For myself, I am a Taurus, so all of this comes naturally (especially the stubborness!).
By the way, if it is any help - I can’t play the whistle. I had a go recently and couldn’t get a clean sound out of it.
