Low notes on flute

by Verity
(Britain)

Question: I have no trouble reading music as I am grade 8 standard on Clarinet and Sax, so I thought I would take up the flute. I am not quite sure if it is my embouchure, but this is my problem...

I can't get the low notes out. I'm finding G down to B very hard. It's breathy and sometimes never comes out at all, instead coming out an octave higher.

I have overcome the dizziness, but I am now having this problem. I also feel like I don't have enough air in my lungs to play the flute.
Can you help, please?

Many thanks,

Verity

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Answer: First, be sure that your flute is in good repair with no leaky pads.

Are you playing with a relaxed embouchure? Low notes are nearly impossible to play if you have a tight embouchure. Try rolling your bottom lip down as if you are making a pouting expression.

Also, try making a "raspberry" sound or a horse "whinny" sound. You must have relaxed lips in order to do this.

You should also open your throat as you're playing. Pretend you are stifling a yawn--yawn with your lips closed. Also think of holding a golf ball in your mouth.

As you are playing, direct your air stream down toward the floor. Don't tip your head down, just aim your air stream at the floor.

Your air speed should still be fast so that you have a rich, full sound, but the direction should be down rather than up toward the ceiling. That might be why your notes break into the upper octave.

Take in as much air as you can and pretend your lungs are big balloons that you are filling. A helpful exercise is long tones. Turn on your metronome and see how long you can play a note. If you can hold it for 8 seconds, try for 9 seconds. Then tomorrow, try for 10 seconds, and so on.

I hope those suggestions help you. Keep practicing and I'm sure you'll master those low notes in no time!