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Hi i just got my first Flute Its closed holed and Need help blowing over It... The sound I get sounds airy not crisp and clear! I would like some help with this area thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Kathy Truax on February 11, 2012 at 3:12pm

Just practice blowing into your flute mouth peicse until you get use to it. The souds will change when you have been practicing it for awhile.

How long have you had the flute now?

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Permalink Reply by Ashley Binder on February 11, 2012 at 3:32pm

Less than a week

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Permalink Reply by mark vankirk on February 12, 2012 at 3:37am

it takes time i still have my days after 37 years dont 't give up it will come

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Permalink Reply by Valeria Zaurino on February 12, 2012 at 5:03am

You've just started, don't worry if your sound is not clear. As Mark sais, it takes time. Practice every day and you'll see good results. Do you have a teacher?

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Permalink Reply by Ashley Binder on February 12, 2012 at 8:28am

Right now My teacher are videos I find on youtube on how play the flue...

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Permalink Reply by Janet K Bordeaux on February 12, 2012 at 10:43pm

Hi Ashley, and welcome to FlutistConnect. You are at the beginning of a journey that will bring both frustration and joy. Here are a few thoughts to help you get started. I've been playing flute for 8 years, and love it very much. I also compose for flute. There are several articles on my website about technique and performing. My site is http://www.flutesolomusic.com

Another website that I have found helpful for lots of specific techniques is http://www.Jennifercluff.com

As for airy sounds, don't get discouraged, just keep blowing. One thing that makes for an extra challenge on the flute is that we can not hear how we truly sound unless we are recorded, and then there is the distortion cause by the recording equipment. I got to go to a master class with Trevor Wye and he told how the sound is different between what we hear as we play, and what is heard across the room. We hear all our air, but the audience doesn't.

So try not to let that bother you. Work on creating a focused air flow, like if you are blowing through a straw. Start each note with tongue movement like when you say "Two" or "do". (some teachers prefer the T sound, others like D.)

Playing long tones, holding each note, is another good way to develop your embouchure. A favorite exercise of Sir James Galway. Is one called DeLa Sonorite..you play a note for 1 beat, then slur down 1/2 step to the next note and hold it 3 beats. So for instance, set your metronome at 72 beats per minute. Then play A-A flat. Repeat A-A Flat. Then A Flat-G. Repeat A Flat-G. Keep going like this down as far as you can, the go back to A and go upward as high as you can. Take a breath after each set of notes. Galway recommends doing this exercise daily for your warm-up.

Good luck and don't give up!

One more thought..you could check out Nina Perlove on YouTube. Also search for Sir James Galway Masterclass and you will find some really good stuff. There's one on embouchure that is terrific.

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Permalink Reply by Gwyneth Whistlewood on February 13, 2012 at 3:47pm

Just to repeat what everyone has said, its normal to sound airy at first. It means your embouchure is letting some air escape but don't worry too much. At this point, I wouldn't try to change the sound specifically, just listen. Listen to the difference in how you sound at the start of a practice session and the end and just note how your sound changes throughout the day. Some days, when I first pull out the flute I am not very happy with my tone but if I play warm-ups for a while then take a break and start again, my tone is always better. And listen to other flute players. Just listening to flute tones you like will have some impact on your own playing although you may not notice right away. Sorry there isn't a faster quick fix answer!