Reading another thread, and thinking about how much I need to improve my own playing, made the question pop into my head: If you were to spend a few moments really thinking about it, what would you say are the one or two most helpful things you’ve learned about playing the flute, the things that lead to your biggest “A-Ha’s!” and greatest improvements?
Loren
I’m relatively new to the flute (six months), after many, many years on the whistle. The best tip I read here is to bring the flute to your mouth, instead of leaning forward when getting ready to play. Biggest improvements, has to be due to steady practice, preferably every day, and not to get too discouraged at the perceived lack of progress. Mirror work seems to help a bit. So far no silver bullets–I am putting in some time and know that in the end that is what helps the most.
Blow down in the hole, not across it (from Terry McGee).
The best advice I ever got was to love to play.
Really breathe out, blow, don’t whisper.
(And of course:)
what did most for me till now and what I recently found out (now 10 months playing intensively) is to be aware how I hold my lips relative to the sound I get.
and not to do too much with your lips is needed to get that sound.
that relaxing on the flute is much more important thanI thought.
berti
Listen to the Pros. That is how I devoloped my tone by trying to imitate the sound but the style that is mine.
Indeed, best I sign off the forum again for another year or two! 
Loren
David’s right on again…as usual !
One little trick to pass on…when playing with a flute recording, (or a whistle recording tuned down an octave with the slow downer) if I can’t hear the flute I know I’m exactly on pitch…an unaccumpanied flute (or whistle) works best. Good way to (try and) hit those accidentals on a keyless flute.
Now back to practice… 
This isn’t specific to flute playing, but I learned a lot about playing reels the first time I played with a box player–and this guy is a particularly good player, as well. Watching his hands and how they related to the flow of the music was an “aha!” moment for me.
–James
Since you guys were all so nice and didn’t flame me for being such a smart-ass, I will tell you a great trick (actually two) that Patrick Olwell told me a while ago.
Play in the upoper octave. But instead of leaning into the flute, play as quietly as you can. Get up to the high A and high B and see how quietly you can play rather than how loud you can be. This will require great muscle control of your embouchure and your breathing, making it possible – eventually – for you to play with great volume and authority in both octaves. Patrick told me of several flute-players who could not play quietly in the upper octave.
The second tip is to get a small flute or fife. To play a fife well requires great muscle control agtain, of the lips and the diaphragm. Even a small bamboo flute/fife pitched in they key of G or A will improve your tone and make you a better flute player.
And read the interviews on Brad Hurley’s site and take them all seriously-- especially when Eamonn Cotter talks about ornamentation.
Yup !
(Sweetheart “d” and playing a Tipple Bb as we squeek)
Actually, David, I was going to post “your” tip, since you’re the one who told it to me in the first place. Helpful indeed.
I don’t know about those high pitch flutes, though.
Too shrill next to the ear.
Just say “No”
M
also, another David-ism. To warm up, begin by playing softly. Don’t push the volume until you have warmed up a bit. That has helped me very much with my Hammy. Every time I take that flute out, I am impressed all over again.
By the way, Loren, it’s great that you’re back!
–James
Thanks Mary,
I too love my Hammy(s). Although I do find it more challenging to play than Olwell/Murray/Grinter flutes, I feel that the Hammy makes me a better player with a more focused embouchure.
And… I am selling an older keyless Hammy (I am keeping my five key). It is about 6-7 years old and is well played in, by David Powell’s first teacher. David Powell is an all-Ireland piper.
The flute is in overall good condition though the end cap shows some dings and there is a slight crack (repaired) in the barrel. The crack repair is well done. It’s a good flute.
The price is $520, including insured postage. There is no case although it would fit in a modern cycolac flute case-- if I find one I’ll send it along.
David - If I’m reading you correctly you’re saying that you feel like you become a better player when playing on a “harder to flute play.” I agree with this contrary to what others have said on this subject on another thread. The problem we mortals face is that “easier is faster” and, I think, we just get plain lazy. One of my flutes is hard to play and, therefore, remains in the case more than on my lips. Shame on me.
BillG
Bill,
That is exactly what I’m saying. When I was running my partners and I would run up stadium steps.
The difference with flutes is that the Hammy is also fun to play because of the blast of sound and complexity of its tone. I am keeping my keyed Hammy, which sounds very much the same as the one I am selling.
“Blast of sound and complexity of tone”.
I would definately second that.
It’s a long, but enjoyable, learning curve with the Hammy..
David - If I’m reading you correctly you’re saying that you feel like you become a better player when playing on a “harder to flute play.” I agree with this contrary to what others have said on this subject on another thread. The problem we mortals face is that “easier is faster” and, I think, we just get plain lazy. One of my flutes is hard to play and, therefore, remains in the case more than on my lips. Shame on me.
BillG
I think this is exactly true.
I think that for many flutists, a flute that’s too “easy to play” will in fact stop them from progressing past a certain point on embouchure and tone.
That said, I don’t mean to say that all easy blowing flutes are bad flutes. I just think they are not good flutes to learn on. It’s better to get one of these after you already know how to drive the sound.
As far as Hamilton flutes, I believe they may be the best simple system flutes made at this time. Mine is wonderful.
–James
There is the counterpoint, that with an easy to play flute, especially for a beginner, they can concentrate more on the music-learning the phrasing, breathing, the tunes, and the feel, instead of fighting for embouchure to develop.
Once you get along well with the flute and the music, I would then think it might be a good time to get a more difficult embouchured flute to fine tune your embouchure and overall tone (if you reach a point of being bored or wanting a new challenge).
Beginner’s have enough to worry about-grip, breath support, the music, etc. Some people have more of a challenge with embouchure than others, so an easy playing flute will not defeat them early in the game.
Back on topic, the most important tip I learned was from Chas and his teacher-to bring the flute to you to play, and not your head to meet the flute-the upright posture does wonders for volume and tone too.