Techniques

by Amirah Dayana
(Malaysia)

Hi,

I'm a student player from Malaysia and I've only been playing the flute for about a year. I've also learned the piano before and have ongoing lesson now. My seniors are the ones who have been teaching me. I have some intentions to get a personal tutor, but for the time being I'd like to ask you some questions.

My school band is practicing a song entitled 'Arabesque' by Samuel Hazo. The flute parts consist of many running notes. Any tips on playing it well? Oh and I have a problem with airy sound for almost every note. The notes are also very high. Really would appreciate it. Thank you

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Hi, Amirah.

Flutists play runs in band parts very frequently. When practicing them, I suggest playing at a slow tempo and gradually increasing your speed. Use a metronome and move the tempo indicator up one notch at a time.

Also, change the rhythm of the passages you are practicing. For example, if you have runs that are all even 8th notes, change it to a dotted rhythm so that the first note is a dotted 8th followed by a 16th note.

Then change it again so that the first note is a 16th followed by a dotted 8th noted.

Basically, you're playing two different rhythms for the runs. You can think up more, maybe play in triplets.

Now, play the run as written. It will seem much easier!

As far as the airy notes, be sure to play with a fast air stream and focus the air stream so that it is very small, the size of a pinpoint. See my page on breath control.

If you're having trouble getting the high notes out or they're breaking into the lower register, aim your air at the ceiling.

Good luck!