Dear Nina Thank you so much for your basic description of sound production. I’m a pro musician playing on theaters on woodwinds. Clarinet/Saxophone/Flute. The flute is the last instrument I picked up. And I tell you, shifting from Clarinet to Flute can be so scary, because the embouchures are very different. This introduction for beginners actually helped me a lot, because I used to “block” my lower lip by pressing the flute against it. I almost had a feeling that you spoke directly to me when you began talking about lowering the flute on your chin. I suddenly realized how much I’ve been using my energy all wrong…for years. And the exercises you show in this video, helped me instantly. Thank you Nina.
I've only been playing the flute for about 3 years and I had to teach myself how to play it for marching band. I've always played the flute on my chin and not my lip and I never got that "pure" sound I was looking for. But watching this video really helped! The angling of the air really made a difference in my playing! Thank you so much!
I played flute for two years in middle school, 11 years later, I'm returning to the basics. I've moved on my regret of quitting, but it's amazing how somethings come back naturally. Thank you for your tips!!
Dear Nina, Thanks a lot for taking your time and giving such an awesome tips on flute sound production. I have watched this video twice and has helped a lot since I am in my third year of flute learning. You are a nice tutor and have what it takes to give out instructions. Have a good time! Carlos
you're the best Flute teacher ever, I've learned a lot of thing during 8:57, even more than things that my teacher taught me for 2 years, thank you so much, i wish you were my teacher :(
Playing the metal flute is much harder than I thought. That's because I'll practice it, and those lessons are helping me a lot. Nina, you've got a new fan ^^
I am relearning the flute from when I first set it down about 7 years ago and your techniques are great! I never learned the chin technique from my other teacher, nor focusing on what side I am directing my air into. Your video is so helpful!, thank you so much.
What you do is just amazing. I love your lessons. I'm learning so much more than I did from my paid instructors. Thanx to you my tone has improved tremendously which was my goal with heading into college this fall.
Thank you so so much!! In the past few days I was having a seriously hard time with tuning my instrument. But the moment I watch this and tried it my sound improved instantly!! :D Thank you so much again, now I won't stick out in class. 😂😁
Hi Nina. You're videos have been a great help to me - especially this one. I have been learning flute by myself for 2 years now. I thought I was doing very well, until I saw this video and realized that I need to change my sound-production technique. I used to position the flute to high and close to me lower lip.
Thank you so much!! I've only just started teaching myself, and I struggled to get a sound! Now I know I was holding it too high, and now, thanks to you, I get a beautiful sound!! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! I've only been playing flute for two years and I haven't played all summer, so my embouchure was horrible! Thanks to this I finally play a clear sound and regained my confidence ;D
Oh my gosh thank you!! I picked up my flute again after 10 years of not playing, and I could not for the life of me figure out how to get rid of the awful shrill sound that was going on haha. This video helped instantly!!
Dear Nina. After watching this video about two months ago I have dedicated to improve my sound quality with my flute. Thanks to you and your great advises my sound is so much better. I have also recorded myself while playing in order to analyze my sound quality production afterwards.. Nevertheless, I have noticed that not only my flute sounds differently to my compared to when I am playing it, but it almost sounds like a recorder (a sound I am familiar with because I have played it for years).
I really appreciate your video. I was having problems with my low register. Moving the flute lower on my lips allowed the flexibility necessary to play the low register clearly. Thank you!!
Amazing lesson Nina :D I was practising yesterday with my tuner out & found angling the air more to the crown of the flute kept me in tune a lot more than just blowing into the flute. ^_^ Thank-you for sharing your knowledge! :D
my sound sounded pretty ok before but oh my gosh after putting my flute lower on my chin i could hear a waaay more clearer sound! it is much appreciated, thank you! x
Wow! Thanks so much for this. I tried this technique of yours with instance success.!! Not only does the tonal quality sound so much purer, but generally louder as well. So pleased I found this video, I shall be watching your other videos with great interest.
Wonderful tutorial - unfortunately I spent most of it looking at you. You are very attractive. Back to the flute - I am just learning and not only did I learn a considerable amount from this video, it made good sense to me. Thank you for providing this tutorial it is very much appreciated.
In general I am not a huge fan of mirrors in practice unless they are for general posture. They can be helpful at times but just don't use them as a substitute for your EARS especially when experimenting with sound. Use ears first, then use the mirror just to reinforce what your ears are telling you.
I have to say this method has worked with all my students and they are all different shapes and sizes. There are many other fine-tuning adjustments to embouchure of course, but this video shows the basic fundamentals -- once this is set there are slight deviations. All embouchures LOOK different too in order to get the correct angle of air. Keep working on it, you'll love the result.
Thank you so much for this. I spent some time trying it and didnt think much was happening. I then played piece and it was as though the sound was all around me and someone else playing. Will definitely keep trying this each session.
omg thank you so much, everyone keeps telling me i keep my flute too low and i roll my headjoint out too much, but you've confirmed that I'm not crazy and just playing wrong>_> Thanks~
Holy moly! More of my notes are in tune! (I haven't admittedly mastered this yet because it feels so awkward...owing to the fact that I just started!). Way cool! You rock my socks :)
you are a brilliant brilliant person, my tone quality has always been awful!! for 5 years i've been playing my flute on my lip and i've always asked myself why does it sound so out of tune?! and why is my tone so airy?! you are amazing. THANK YOU!
Hi Nina, I am a beginner and just tried this with the embouchure hole lined up with the first key and lower on the lip and rolled out. I have been playing with the headjoint rolled in quite a way. I am going to stick with your setup, it seemd a little strange when I just tried it but will see how it goes. ( had to change blow angle like you said ) The high notes seem better as trying to get a good D 6 for a piece I am learning, was struggling to hold a long D 6. Thanks for posting this video :-) Regards Paul.
higuysimchris: I think a GOOD teacher is always a benefit but that doesn't mean you can't have some success alone. You are always your best teacher if you use your ears to listen and learn!
Hi Nina, your video put me in trouble because my teacher always ask me to turn my flute in and the head joint on the flute too. It will be intersting to have a focus on your lips and embouchure while you play to see how much you cover the hole. Anyway your video are very helpful. thanks
I guess the only way is practicing those lessons hahaha I feel the same way, I've just bought a metal flute and I am finding it very hard to get flute sound from it. Now that I have seen these lessons, I'll practice it till I can getr it right. Like she says, it's probably one of the greatest misterties of the instruments. Thanx lady, you rock ^^
Gostei muito de sua aula. Sou iniciante e apreciei sua iniciativa de divulgar seus conhecimentos para qualquer flautista no mundo. Você prima pela excelência. Gostaria de conhecer sua universidade em Kentuky!!!
You play the flute very beautifully. If there is one thing I regret it's not picking up the flute since High School. I can't even read sheet music anymore. High School was 15 years ago :(
@ninaflute Thanks a lot for responding so quickly! I think I might have gone too low... I placed it between my chin and the bottom of the gumline.. I think that part of my problem is that with my other two horns, I need to tighten my lower lip so naturally I think I'm doing it while trying to play the flute too...
I wouldn't try to match my pitch from the video since I am not sure if youtube or the video process has altered the pitch. Instead, your flute should play an "A" so match to a piano or a tuner playing an A. Your flute is likely "tuned" to 442 so the A should be 442 unless it is an old flute tuned to 440
You have some interesting ideas, I'm pretty comfortable with my tone, but this gives me a few new things to try before I go auditioning for my masters. Gonna check out your other videos now :)
here in Holland I'm one of the fewest flute players who have the flute low on my chin and turned out!!! Also very nice to know! I'm going to try the angeling..
17 років тому
Hello Nina, great video on this difficult subject of sound! And I like the way you make your point clear. It would be even more helpful to see in a more closeup video where exactly you put the flute and how far the blowing edge is away from the lip opening. But I know: your request list is very long... Best regards!
The angling of air sounds like an interesting idea, I will have to check in a mirror what I do, I may be doing it without knowing it or might need to try it!
It actually really is up to you which instrument you want to play, discover for yourself which instrument you personally like. Try multiple and stick to the one which you like. But once you've chosen your instrument don't give up at first if you fail or you are discouraged. It surely does take a person time to actually become good at it. So please try multiple instruments and chose for yourself.
It isn't something I consciously work for, but comes from general relaxation in the lips and cheeks. Also if you have a "smiley face" embouchure (not desired) you won't get any air in the cheeks. I don't really suggest aiming for puffy cheeks, just relaxing them.
Thank you Nina for posting "lessons" on youtube. How about posting a video demonstrating articulation, especially double and triple tonguing at various tempos (tempi). Robert Samson
Danielle Dameron I do this as well! My one teacher told me that, but when I do this in front of my another teacher, he looked at me like I must be insane XD
I agree with Nina, Just ask around on tips and stuff, I started on the picc. and just got my flute today, and The only teaching ive received is listening to what my band director says to the flutes in my class.
@christel9106 : try to realize that low register notes vibrate slower than higher register notes, not only the flute is vibrating but also the air coming out of your mouth, somehow you need to push "more air" into the flute, with more "space inside" your mouth (try dropping your jaw a little and relaxing the embrochure). The air streams must be different for higher notes and lower notes, and you will realize that in lower notes you need more air because the air goes into the flute much slower.
@torosax if you can't get any sound at all, then you are either moved too low or else it is rolled in or out too far. You will need to experiment by making tiny adjustments and when you hear a great sound pop out, you know you hit the right spot! In many ways, you have to be your own teacher and use your ear as a guide.
@itsamea123 You must keep the core/resonance even at pp. I suggest working only at ff or f until you master the resonance, then gradually lower the dynamic while keeping the core.
@Kukuschi It is a tequnique that you will have to learn over time. You can watch her video about vibrato for more information, but it is like you are whispering a "ha ha ha" sound while you are playing. It is tricky, but sounds really nice on held notes once you master it. However, if you are just beginning, it would probably be more beneficial to first practice getting a nice resonant tone and learning fingerings.
Actually I am plannign to start recording a tutorial on articulation this afternoon. I'll see how it goes and try to post it in the next week or so. If you are one of my youtube friends you'll get an email when I upload new videos.
this video is amazing... i will try some of the techniques, im going to NKU in the fall for music ed. and it would amazing if i could have pricate lessons.
This is lovely. First of: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for sharing solid knowledge. Now on: I've been playing like for half year, but since I've no resources at all to pay a techer, I've been self-learning, with a couple of books. I thought I've got quite dialed some tunes. Now I've seen this, I'm not so sure XD. But this is gold. Just a couple of Q's: you mind if I donwload? and would you mind if I put subs in spanish? 'cuz I know of people who would love to learn from this vid. Again: THANK YOU!
mayavania: in what I teach and what I see in Sir James's videos, the lower lip rolls out over the lip plate but the lip plate is not placed on top and thus squishing the lower lip. The difference is millimeters.
I'm self taught too. I used a book called How to Play the Flute by Howard Harison. It really works and I started playing two weeks before christmas in 07 in the 8th grade.
Chimney air splitter is an interesting idea. I still think a large majority of younger students are overdoing how much air goes out/across and neglecting to put some air into the instrument.
Two unrelated questions: - When one changes to the lower-down-the-chin position, why do you recommend rolling the whole flute out rather than just the head joint? It seems top me one would then have to get used to two substantial new positions? - What's the ratio of males to females (any age) that you teach? I talked to a flute teacher (in UK) who had 200 students and only 4 were boys.
This is helpful, I have problems with sounding airy, any advice on fixing that? And also, I would like to point out that you should hold the flute loosely against your chin, and angle the flute outward slightly, it helped me with my sound.
I've enjoyed your lessons and thank you so much for posting them freely here. I've always enjoyed playing my flute, but as I'm part of a Hockey Pep band, I often perform on a piccolo. I'm very interested in producing a better sound on my piccolo that can travel, as our arena doesn't carry the higher frequency sounds as well. Is there anything on top of what you've suggested in this video that would help with a piccolo over a flute?
This is interesting. I've been trying to improve my embouchure. I have no idea what it's supposed to be like because that wasn't part of my training. Skip Healy's videos say that you'll get a better sound if you place the flute on your lip--higher up than most flute players traditionally place it. Your video says it should be lower than most place it. My guess is there's no wrong or right, but I haven't found a good way to play for me, yet.
Hi Nina! I really enjoy your instructions and they have actually helped me with my sound production :). Just one question. Can you please show me how the lower "hanging off your face" placement of the flute and the "close to the lip "placement? I'm not sure that I understand how low the flute needs to be placed. And since I have a big lower lip I can't go that far down and still be able to produce an air stream that has the right flow down there. Can you please show me the difference? :)
Nina, I have found keeping a flat back and neck (standing up straight to not restricting the wind pipe) is key to me benefiting from rolling out. also can you do a video on offset flute embochure?
Hey, thanks so much for posting this video! I always had a problem with sounding very airy and quiet on my flute, and after following this video, I'm slowly fixing the problem. I have a quick question, though. I've been playing on a school flute for about three years now, and I'm thinking of buying my own. Do you have a video or any tips about buying a good quality flute?
hi nina. been awhile since ive come to watch your videos. well ive gotten my flute last july, and you videos got me on my way weee; its an artely flute. my playing has improved and have a couple songs down. what im trying to do is learn a pink floyd song from sheet music. but im having trouble reading a note. how do i play a note that doesnt have the sharp flat or neutral sign next to it?
Nina, amazing video. I wanted to ask, how do you, personally, align your headjoint with respect to say the "C" key on the body...or the F, E and D keys on the right hand (for example)
Can you please do some videos for piccolo too, I think I'm okay on the flute for now but the piccolo is so much more harder for me to get a nice sound out of it. If you can't though that's fine, your videos are great by the way! :D
I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. I'm just wondering though, why roll the flute out instead of rolling the headjoint out? won't this cause an awkward hand position? shouldn't the keys be 'parallel to the floor'? Thanks for all the videos!!
@20001854 Hello Mrs Nina.. congratulations on these series of videos they are wonderful.. I have a little problem w/my 3rd 8va,, I have been doing all the dropping doen the flute as U recomended and it actually had got a real nice tone( thank you ) bt my 3rd 8va is completly sharp... any sugestions for this?? thanks
hello nina i just watched your video on sound production and it helped a lot. i started playing flute 4 weeks ago but just got all the fingerings down a few days ago. i feel like im a little behind in the flute which is frustrating when i play with my school band, so i would like to ask you a question. i can play low notes a bit easily, however high notes are very difficult for me to play. i cant get them right no matter how many people have explained it to me. i was wondering of you could send
Love your instructions I do take lessons...over 50 here. Do you have any suggestions for the "hissing" sound I get. Mainly the middle octave. Don't know how to make it stop.
mine is actually right on my lip.. i can feel the hole when im playing o.o but i try not to cover it.,as the person below me said,we all use the emborchure hole differently...
You are a good teacher. clear speaking, concise directions,
and well-detailed. I wish UA-cam was around in the 60's.
I was a self-taught flutist.
Dear Nina
Thank you so much for your basic description of sound production.
I’m a pro musician playing on theaters on woodwinds. Clarinet/Saxophone/Flute.
The flute is the last instrument I picked up. And I tell you, shifting from Clarinet to Flute can be so scary, because the embouchures are very different.
This introduction for beginners actually helped me a lot, because I used to “block” my lower lip by pressing the flute against it.
I almost had a feeling that you spoke directly to me when you began talking about lowering the flute on your chin. I suddenly realized how much I’ve been using my energy all wrong…for years.
And the exercises you show in this video, helped me instantly.
Thank you Nina.
I've only been playing the flute for about 3 years and I had to teach myself how to play it for marching band. I've always played the flute on my chin and not my lip and I never got that "pure" sound I was looking for. But watching this video really helped! The angling of the air really made a difference in my playing! Thank you so much!
I played flute for two years in middle school, 11 years later, I'm returning to the basics. I've moved on my regret of quitting, but it's amazing how somethings come back naturally. Thank you for your tips!!
omg..i've been playing for 10 years and never heard about this chin thing until now..what an eye opener! God bless you!!
Dear Nina,
Thanks a lot for taking your time and giving such an awesome tips on flute sound production. I have watched this video twice and has helped a lot since I am in my third year of flute learning. You are a nice tutor and have what it takes to give out instructions.
Have a good time! Carlos
you're the best Flute teacher ever, I've learned a lot of thing during 8:57, even more than things that my teacher taught me for 2 years, thank you so much, i wish you were my teacher :(
Playing the metal flute is much harder than I thought. That's because I'll practice it, and those lessons are helping me a lot. Nina, you've got a new fan ^^
I am relearning the flute from when I first set it down about 7 years ago and your techniques are great! I never learned the chin technique from my other teacher, nor focusing on what side I am directing my air into.
Your video is so helpful!, thank you so much.
What you do is just amazing. I love your lessons. I'm learning so much more than I did from my paid instructors. Thanx to you my tone has improved tremendously which was my goal with heading into college this fall.
I have NEVER had such amazing sounds on my flute before. Thank youi!!
This is great !! It's the first time I play very relax on the flute, so amazing.... Thanks !!!!!
Thank you so so much!! In the past few days I was having a seriously hard time with tuning my instrument. But the moment I watch this and tried it my sound improved instantly!! :D Thank you so much again, now I won't stick out in class. 😂😁
Hi Nina. You're videos have been a great help to me - especially this one.
I have been learning flute by myself for 2 years now. I thought I was doing very well, until I saw this video and realized that I need to change my sound-production technique.
I used to position the flute to high and close to me lower lip.
Thank you so much!! I've only just started teaching myself, and I struggled to get a sound! Now I know I was holding it too high, and now, thanks to you, I get a beautiful sound!! Thank you so much!
Thank you Nina for all of your informative tips. I am using your techniques and they are helping me become a better musician. Thanks again!!!!!
hi nina,
i just got my flute yesterday and your videos have helped me out so much!
Thank you so much! I've only been playing flute for two years and I haven't played all summer, so my embouchure was horrible! Thanks to this I finally play a clear sound and regained my confidence ;D
Oh my gosh thank you!! I picked up my flute again after 10 years of not playing, and I could not for the life of me figure out how to get rid of the awful shrill sound that was going on haha. This video helped instantly!!
Dear Nina. After watching this video about two months ago I have dedicated to improve my sound quality with my flute. Thanks to you and your great advises my sound is so much better.
I have also recorded myself while playing in order to analyze my sound quality production afterwards.. Nevertheless, I have noticed that not only my flute sounds differently to my compared to when I am playing it, but it almost sounds like a recorder (a sound I am familiar with because I have played it for years).
I really appreciate your video. I was having problems with my low register. Moving the flute lower on my lips allowed the flexibility necessary to play the low register clearly. Thank you!!
Amazing lesson Nina :D I was practising yesterday with my tuner out & found angling the air more to the crown of the flute kept me in tune a lot more than just blowing into the flute. ^_^ Thank-you for sharing your knowledge! :D
my sound sounded pretty ok before but oh my gosh after putting my flute lower on my chin i could hear a waaay more clearer sound! it is much appreciated, thank you! x
wow i've been playing the flute for almost 9 years and i still keep on learning thx
Wow! Thanks so much for this. I tried this technique of yours with instance success.!! Not only does the tonal quality sound so much purer, but generally louder as well. So pleased I found this video, I shall be watching your other videos with great interest.
Thank you for giving that quick side note on open hold flutes. It's good to know that I can apply this knowledge to the instrument I have on hand.
Wonderful tutorial - unfortunately I spent most of it looking at you. You are very attractive.
Back to the flute - I am just learning and not only did I learn a considerable amount from this video, it made good sense to me. Thank you for providing this tutorial it is very much appreciated.
Thank you ever so much. Your tips have helped me a lot. Your are doing a great job by sharing your knowladge in such a comprehensive manner.
In general I am not a huge fan of mirrors in practice unless they are for general posture. They can be helpful at times but just don't use them as a substitute for your EARS especially when experimenting with sound. Use ears first, then use the mirror just to reinforce what your ears are telling you.
I have to say this method has worked with all my students and they are all different shapes and sizes. There are many other fine-tuning adjustments to embouchure of course, but this video shows the basic fundamentals -- once this is set there are slight deviations. All embouchures LOOK different too in order to get the correct angle of air. Keep working on it, you'll love the result.
Very interesting, there is sooo much to learn with your videos. Thank you so much for posting this precious lessons!
Thank you so much for this. I spent some time trying it and didnt think much was happening. I then played piece and it was as though the sound was all around me and someone else playing. Will definitely keep trying this each session.
omg thank you so much, everyone keeps telling me i keep my flute too low and i roll my headjoint out too much, but you've confirmed that I'm not crazy and just playing wrong>_> Thanks~
Holy moly! More of my notes are in tune! (I haven't admittedly mastered this yet because it feels so awkward...owing to the fact that I just started!).
Way cool! You rock my socks :)
you are a brilliant brilliant person, my tone quality has always been awful!! for 5 years i've been playing my flute on my lip and i've always asked myself why does it sound so out of tune?! and why is my tone so airy?! you are amazing. THANK YOU!
I just picked up a flute for the first time two days ago and this info helped tremendously :D
Thank you for sharing this with us! It really helped me and I could hear the difference almost immediately, so thanks!
Wow.. i tried this and my tone instantly improved :) thank you for sharing you knowledge :)
Hi Nina, I am a beginner and just tried this with the embouchure hole lined up with the first key and lower on the lip and rolled out.
I have been playing with the headjoint rolled in quite a way.
I am going to stick with your setup, it seemd a little strange when I just tried it but will see how it goes. ( had to change blow angle like you said )
The high notes seem better as trying to get a good D 6 for a piece I am learning, was struggling to hold a long D 6.
Thanks for posting this video :-)
Regards Paul.
higuysimchris: I think a GOOD teacher is always a benefit but that doesn't mean you can't have some success alone. You are always your best teacher if you use your ears to listen and learn!
After playing the flute after 1 month I did found that placing the flute middle of the chin like you just mentioned is correct .. thank you 🙏 ciao
Hi Nina, your video put me in trouble because my teacher always ask me to turn my flute in and the head joint on the flute too. It will be intersting to have a focus on your lips and embouchure while you play to see how much you cover the hole. Anyway your video are very helpful. thanks
I guess the only way is practicing those lessons hahaha I feel the same way, I've just bought a metal flute and I am finding it very hard to get flute sound from it. Now that I have seen these lessons, I'll practice it till I can getr it right.
Like she says, it's probably one of the greatest misterties of the instruments. Thanx lady, you rock ^^
Gostei muito de sua aula. Sou iniciante e apreciei sua iniciativa de divulgar seus conhecimentos para qualquer flautista no mundo. Você prima pela excelência.
Gostaria de conhecer sua universidade em Kentuky!!!
Thank you for making this awesome tutorial video, it was fun to watch.
You play the flute very beautifully. If there is one thing I regret it's not picking up the flute since High School. I can't even read sheet music anymore. High School was 15 years ago :(
@ninaflute Thanks a lot for responding so quickly! I think I might have gone too low... I placed it between my chin and the bottom of the gumline.. I think that part of my problem is that with my other two horns, I need to tighten my lower lip so naturally I think I'm doing it while trying to play the flute too...
Nina before anything else Congratulations and i want to know when you will come to Mexico to play or either a master class
I wouldn't try to match my pitch from the video since I am not sure if youtube or the video process has altered the pitch. Instead, your flute should play an "A" so match to a piano or a tuner playing an A. Your flute is likely "tuned" to 442 so the A should be 442 unless it is an old flute tuned to 440
The best instructions I heard so far, maybe I missed tonguing and making a big mouthcavity
You have some interesting ideas, I'm pretty comfortable with my tone, but this gives me a few new things to try before I go auditioning for my masters. Gonna check out your other videos now :)
here in Holland I'm one of the fewest flute players who have the flute low on my chin and turned out!!! Also very nice to know! I'm going to try the angeling..
Hello Nina, great video on this difficult subject of sound! And I like the way you make your point clear. It would be even more helpful to see in a more closeup video where exactly you put the flute and how far the blowing edge is away from the lip opening. But I know: your request list is very long...
Best regards!
I can't wait to hear you upload a new video--you should make it a response video to this one with your new and improved sound.
The angling of air sounds like an interesting idea, I will have to check in a mirror what I do, I may be doing it without knowing it or might need to try it!
It actually really is up to you which instrument you want to play, discover for yourself which instrument you personally like. Try multiple and stick to the one which you like. But once you've chosen your instrument don't give up at first if you fail or you are discouraged. It surely does take a person time to actually become good at it.
So please try multiple instruments and chose for yourself.
It isn't something I consciously work for, but comes from general relaxation in the lips and cheeks. Also if you have a "smiley face" embouchure (not desired) you won't get any air in the cheeks. I don't really suggest aiming for puffy cheeks, just relaxing them.
Thank you Nina for posting "lessons" on youtube. How about posting a video demonstrating articulation, especially double and triple tonguing at various tempos (tempi).
Robert Samson
I line up my instrument too! Everyone always looks at me like I'm crazy when i do it but I don't have to readjust when I put it up to my mouth, haha.
Danielle Dameron I do this as well! My one teacher told me that, but when I do this in front of my another teacher, he looked at me like I must be insane XD
I agree with Nina, Just ask around on tips and stuff, I started on the picc. and just got my flute today, and The only teaching ive received is listening to what my band director says to the flutes in my class.
@christel9106 : try to realize that low register notes vibrate slower than higher register notes, not only the flute is vibrating but also the air coming out of your mouth, somehow you need to push "more air" into the flute, with more "space inside" your mouth (try dropping your jaw a little and relaxing the embrochure). The air streams must be different for higher notes and lower notes, and you will realize that in lower notes you need more air because the air goes into the flute much slower.
@torosax if you can't get any sound at all, then you are either moved too low or else it is rolled in or out too far. You will need to experiment by making tiny adjustments and when you hear a great sound pop out, you know you hit the right spot! In many ways, you have to be your own teacher and use your ear as a guide.
@itsamea123 You must keep the core/resonance even at pp. I suggest working only at ff or f until you master the resonance, then gradually lower the dynamic while keeping the core.
@Kukuschi It is a tequnique that you will have to learn over time. You can watch her video about vibrato for more information, but it is like you are whispering a "ha ha ha" sound while you are playing. It is tricky, but sounds really nice on held notes once you master it. However, if you are just beginning, it would probably be more beneficial to first practice getting a nice resonant tone and learning fingerings.
O my god, she is beatifull, marvelous ,talent , braviiiiiissimo!!!!!!!!No word can be used to describe.......never mind!
Actually I am plannign to start recording a tutorial on articulation this afternoon. I'll see how it goes and try to post it in the next week or so. If you are one of my youtube friends you'll get an email when I upload new videos.
Thank you, also for the lineup comment. Very good explanation.
teacher recommended me this-- very helpful! first chair, here i come!!
This was so helpful! I could play the notes lovely when I slur etc, but at the start of a tongue it was extremely airy
this video is amazing...
i will try some of the techniques,
im going to NKU in the fall for music ed. and it would amazing if i could have pricate lessons.
omg thank you so much for these tips. i can't afford private lessons but i want to get better! great tips!
This is lovely. First of: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for sharing solid knowledge.
Now on: I've been playing like for half year, but since I've no resources at all to pay a techer, I've been self-learning, with a couple of books. I thought I've got quite dialed some tunes. Now I've seen this, I'm not so sure XD. But this is gold.
Just a couple of Q's:
you mind if I donwload? and would you mind if I put subs in spanish? 'cuz I know of people who would love to learn from this vid.
Again: THANK YOU!
mayavania: in what I teach and what I see in Sir James's videos, the lower lip rolls out over the lip plate but the lip plate is not placed on top and thus squishing the lower lip. The difference is millimeters.
I'm self taught too. I used a book called How to Play the Flute by Howard Harison. It really works and I started playing two weeks before christmas in 07 in the 8th grade.
Chimney air splitter is an interesting idea. I still think a large majority of younger students are overdoing how much air goes out/across and neglecting to put some air into the instrument.
I'm having the same problem in college. I think it depends on where the headjoint's at, how you breath, and i guess the angle of the flute.
Two unrelated questions:
- When one changes to the lower-down-the-chin position, why do you recommend rolling the whole flute out rather than just the head joint? It seems top me one would then have to get used to two substantial new positions?
- What's the ratio of males to females (any age) that you teach? I talked to a flute teacher (in UK) who had 200 students and only 4 were boys.
@georgegrantjazz I'm a jazz saxophonist leaning the flute too!
Good luck to ya.
I've been playing the flute for a year and a half and I still can't get a sound like that :P
I'll try on thursday though using your tips :)
This is helpful, I have problems with sounding airy, any advice on fixing that?
And also, I would like to point out that you should hold the flute loosely against your chin, and angle the flute outward slightly, it helped me with my sound.
I've enjoyed your lessons and thank you so much for posting them freely here.
I've always enjoyed playing my flute, but as I'm part of a Hockey Pep band, I often perform on a piccolo. I'm very interested in producing a better sound on my piccolo that can travel, as our arena doesn't carry the higher frequency sounds as well. Is there anything on top of what you've suggested in this video that would help with a piccolo over a flute?
Extremely useful video.
This is interesting. I've been trying to improve my embouchure. I have no idea what it's supposed to be like because that wasn't part of my training. Skip Healy's videos say that you'll get a better sound if you place the flute on your lip--higher up than most flute players traditionally place it. Your video says it should be lower than most place it. My guess is there's no wrong or right, but I haven't found a good way to play for me, yet.
Hi Nina! I really enjoy your instructions and they have actually helped me with my sound production :). Just one question. Can you please show me how the lower "hanging off your face" placement of the flute and the "close to the lip "placement? I'm not sure that I understand how low the flute needs to be placed. And since I have a big lower lip I can't go that far down and still be able to produce an air stream that has the right flow down there.
Can you please show me the difference? :)
Nina, I have found keeping a flat back and neck (standing up straight to not restricting the wind pipe) is key to me benefiting from rolling out. also can you do a video on offset flute embochure?
You are a fantastic flautist Nina
Hey, thanks so much for posting this video! I always had a problem with sounding very airy and quiet on my flute, and after following this video, I'm slowly fixing the problem.
I have a quick question, though. I've been playing on a school flute for about three years now, and I'm thinking of buying my own. Do you have a video or any tips about buying a good quality flute?
hi nina.
been awhile since ive come to watch your videos. well ive gotten my flute last july, and you videos got me on my way weee; its an artely flute.
my playing has improved and have a couple songs down. what im trying to do is learn a pink floyd song from sheet music. but im having trouble reading a note. how do i play a note that doesnt have the sharp flat or neutral sign next to it?
Nina, amazing video. I wanted to ask, how do you, personally, align your headjoint with respect to say the "C" key on the body...or the F, E and D keys on the right hand (for example)
Can you please do some videos for piccolo too, I think I'm okay on the flute for now but the piccolo is so much more harder for me to get a nice sound out of it. If you can't though that's fine, your videos are great by the way! :D
I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. I'm just wondering though, why roll the flute out instead of rolling the headjoint out? won't this cause an awkward hand position? shouldn't the keys be 'parallel to the floor'? Thanks for all the videos!!
I am trying i can hear blowing, i cant do the embrouchure(sorry if spelt wrong)
@20001854 Hello Mrs Nina.. congratulations on these series of videos they are wonderful.. I have a little problem w/my 3rd 8va,, I have been doing all the dropping doen the flute as U recomended and it actually had got a real nice tone( thank you ) bt my 3rd 8va is completly sharp... any sugestions for this?? thanks
i just got my flute and im starting band and I need help blowing
hello nina i just watched your video on sound production and it helped a lot. i started playing flute 4 weeks ago but just got all the fingerings down a few days ago. i feel like im a little behind in the flute which is frustrating when i play with my school band, so i would like to ask you a question. i can play low notes a bit easily, however high notes are very difficult for me to play. i cant get them right no matter how many people have explained it to me. i was wondering of you could send
Love your instructions I do take lessons...over 50 here. Do you have any suggestions for the "hissing" sound I get. Mainly the middle octave. Don't know how to make it stop.
i dont have better words but thanks for teaching me how to blow (please, no malice intended) i am very thankful for your vid, i loved it^^
thanks. that was so good for me.it told me all i needed. i understand now.
You play the flute very good. :)
I play the flute but i have this airy tone when i play it, how do i fix my sound?
mine is actually right on my lip.. i can feel the hole when im playing o.o but i try not to cover it.,as the person below me said,we all use the emborchure hole differently...