Flute postureFlute posture should be relaxed and as natural as possible. Although the flute is a small instrument, the way we hold it is extremely ergonomically unfriendly. Flutists can develop fatigue quite easily and even carpal tunnel syndrome. The reason for this is that the flutist is always working against gravity. There is nothing to rest the flute on except the body itself. Look at the tuba. Yes, it is big, but it is sitting on a metal stand and the player sits on a chair next to it. Good posture is a big part of producing a beautiful flute tone. Bad posture works against proper breath support.
If you feel tense here, try doing some simple relaxation exercises, such as rolling the shoulders forward and back, and slowly moving the neck from side to side, and up and down.
Even clarinetists are now using a neck strap to hold the weight of the instrument rather than letting it sit on their thumb. Te left arm position should be close to the body. The right arm should be slightly turned out or up. Keep the fingers in the center of the flute keys at all times. Work toward playing with the fingers remaining close to the keys rather than flinging up away from the keys as you play. This will develop better facility in playing, too. When standing, keep the chin up and shoulders relaxed. Keep the spine straight, but not rigid.
Some beginners will push their left shoulder up and use it as a ledge for holding the flute. This is a terrible habit to break! It also creates lots of tension in the upper back and neck.
The flute balance points are against the chin, inside of the left index finger, left thumb, right thumb, and right small finger. There is often the feeling that you will drop the flute if you don't maintain a strong hold on it, but still, you must stay relaxed. Flute posture just takes practice and it will come.
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