Quality of Tone Decreasing on Certain Notes

by Annalisia
(Georgia)

Question: Hi, I've been playing for 2 years now, and I'm currently 1st chair in my middle school band. Overall, my tone seems to sound more clean and clear, but there are certain notes that are starting to give me trouble that never have. Currently, I am having trouble making my Ab and F# as clear as my other notes. While my other notes are increasing in quality, my Ab and F# seem to be decreasing with an occasional raspy feel to them. Do you have an advice you can give me? Another thing - I play open-holed flute.

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Answer: Is your airstream remaining fast for all of your notes?

Be sure your throat is open for all of your notes. Lower your soft palate - pretend you're holding a golf ball in your mouth or stifling a yawn.

Practice long tones and specifically focus on F# to Ab. Start with F and go to A. Think about a fast airstream and listen carefully to the notes.

I also suggest having your flute checked out by a repair person to make sure the pads aren't leaking anywhere.