HOME
LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST TO SOUND YOUR BEST
Flautists should stand when practicing. Hold the flute nearly level. Stand straight, with your shoulders back, your feet about 8 inches apart and your head up. This posture keeps your chest free to breathe and support your sound. Keeping your head up is really important because the air must enter the flute at the best angle. Look your best when you play and help yourself play your best.
DISCOVER HOW TO BREATHE
Create a steady air flow by taking deep breaths, then pushing the air out from the diaphram - the body's mid section. Musical notes need enough steady air to last the length of the note. This is really different from the shallow breaths you take when walking, or quick deep breaths you take when running.
DISCOVER MUSICAL NOTATION
Read the band book - discover what musical signs and symbols mean for you as a musician. Musical notation is a roadmap for playing and the musician is the driver. Musicians practice so they can obey every one of those signs when playing.
WHAT ARE YOUR HANDS DOING?
How you hold the flute will eventually determine how fast you can play. The right hand supports the instrument with the inner side of the thumb. Only the finger tips touch the keys. The right hand should feel relaxed, and look like a backwards "C".
The left hand holds the flute at the base of the first finger. The left thumb should be straight. The first finger curls around to touch the first key. Skip the third key.
Always keep your fingers near the keys and the hands quiet when playing. Only the fingers should move. Your hands should be relaxed. Playing in front of a mirror is very helpful.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PRACTICE?
As much as you wish! Generally, first year players should practice about 20 minutes a day and keep a log of time spent. Second year players can expand to 30 or 40 minutes. The secret to practicing is to work on musical solutions and a better sound EVERY DAY.
Learning to play music is training the mind, mouth and hands to work together perfectly. These motor and mental skills are acquired over time, unlike learning facts. Failing to practice most of the week and then practicing an hour before your private lesson is a silly idea.
TREAT THE FLUTE GENTLY, PLEASE!
While in class, but not playing, hold the flute still on your lap. DO NOT roll it on your legs, or hold it by anything other than your hands, twirl it around, or any other actions.
Don't even think of poking your fingers or anything else into the keys or the mechanism. The flute is delicate and requires an expert to repair. It is a musical instrument, not an object to explore or take apart. Remember that even a student-grade instrument costs well over $500. Treat your flute gently and enjoy the music you can create.
HOME