Coming back to playing flute...

Question: Hi, I played flute for 5 years; year 6 to year 10, and because of increased studies I stopped playing almost completely.

Now my studies are over, and I have not played regularly for around two years. I can still remember all of the fingering positions, and am able to reach the higher octaves fine, but I'm having trouble with high E and everything below the normal G.

I'm using a student flute.

I was just wondering if you have any tips as to how to teach myself to play these notes again.

Thank you :)

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Answer:

That's wonderful that you're picking up the flute again!

I suggest getting a good instruction book that has a fingering chart as well as a play-along CD included with it.

The fingering chart will help check any fingerings you're unsure of and the play-along CD helps you with tone production, playing rhythms correctly, and it's fun, too!

I like the book I use on my lessons page, Play Flute Today! - Level 1. It has a good fingering chart and a CD, and lots of good tunes.

Then I would advance on to other books with CDs, Disney tunes, Christmas songs, whatever you like.

As far as that high E, work on your breathing so that you have a good, steady air stream going. Keep your embouchure relaxed and don't pinch or pull back the corners of your mouth.

Aim your air stream toward the ceiling for higher notes.

Another tip for the high E: Pick up the right pinky when you play it. It helps get the note out without squeaks.

Good luck and keep playing!