How to play the flute

How to play the flute--it's a lifelong adventure! But everyone was a beginner at one point, even great artists! Here's a quick guide for getting started.

After you have your flute purchased, rented, or borrowed, it's time to work on the major elements of flute playing.

Developing the embouchure. That's the position of the lips and facial muscles. Just use the mouthpiece for forming the embouchure and getting the air stream to make a tone.

The big key--don't tighten and pull back the corners of your mouth. The lips and facial muscles should be relaxed to allow the air to flow out.

Once the tone is strong, put the flute together and work on learning fingerings. This is where a good fingering chart or lesson book will be invaluable. See my video for more advice.

Breath support. Proper use of air in playing the flute is all about taking in a lot of air fast and blowing it out slowly in a very controlled manner.

Here's a hint: Practice with your fingers on the keys and blowing the air out, but have the flute away from your face. Keep blowing the air for the entire phrase and don't breath every few notes or measures. That way you can develop long phrases.



After you have the basics down, it's simply a matter of practice. The more you play, the better you get. Have fun with it and it won't seem like work. Music should be a joy, so enjoy it!


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