yesterday, I had my first lesson in about a year with my regular teacher, who’s been off studying in Europe. He made the simplest observation that has done more for me than anything in ages. He said, “You’re bringing your mouth to the flute; always bring the flute to your mouth.” IOW, I was bringing my head forward just a little bit when I started playing. So he had me sit in a chair (I always play standing) and just had me relax. No sitting up, just have my back on the back of the chair and let everything relax. Then, pick up the flute and bring it to my lips, moving as little as possible other than the arms.
BINGO! My volume’s up by a good 10%, I’m a good few cents possibly a nickel or two sharper (on the same flute, I’d have to have the head out a good 3-5 mm farther than others to be in tune), and my sound somehow has a little more of an edge to it – hard to tell whether it’s clearer or has more overtones, but definitely grabs a little more attention.
Just thought I’d share a possible easy road to better sound with y’all.
Plus I’m so glad to be on the road to regular lessons again!
Dang, if it doesn’t work, Chas! Thank you! I didn’t realize it either, but when I kept my head straight, not bending to the flute, it did increase the volume, and with more of an edge, as you said.
My first formal flute lesson! Worth everything you paid, and more!
Oops! I had it bass ackwards. In the past, I’d have to have the head in a few mm to be in tune, now I can have it out a few mm farther than I used to.
And, Barry, I’m glad you got your money’s worth out of my lesson! I know I did.
Bill, I’m with ya on posture. My father has been on my ass for most of my life to stand up straight. He swears that I could be 3" taller if I’d just stand up straight. A huge exaggeration, but with a kernel of truth.
Renee has the opposite problem and plays quite a bit sharper on her Bleazey than she did on her Folk flute. “Nope, still sharp dear!” is a common phrase when tuning her up.
EDIT: I meant to say when she is tuning her flute. Oh, you know what I mean. :roll:
This is obviously some kind of scam Chas is using trying to get us to bring our flutes to his lips so they will play better. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not sending my flutes to Maryland.
Docs not totally innocent himself. He keeps sending us home with yummy goodies from his online store to “try out” with (I am sure) the hopes we will decide they need to stay with us. He ALMOST got us with a Shultz flute a couple of weeks ago!
Keep trying Doc, you might get us one of these days.
This is a great pointer! Good, upright posture is much easier to acheive when being mindful of this. I too, tend to ‘lean over’ to the flute, thus compressing much of my midsection, and straightening out afterwards somehow doesn’t line things up as good and starting out straight, and bringing the flute to you.
Oh, you know what I mean. :roll:
He keeps sending us home with yummy goodies from his online store to “try out” with (I am sure) the hopes we will decide they need to stay with us. He ALMOST got us with a Shultz flute a couple of weeks ago!
