That's awesome to hear Paul the rice method worked for you! If you're interested in improving your tone further, check out my free 3 day mini course. Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/free
Clearly since there's a global pandemic going on, it was absolutely necessary that I pick up the flute I learned to play in grade school and have not touched since 8th grade, which was thirty years ago. You have taught me so much in the half hour of videos I've watched. Thank you!
Thank you for the videos. I decided to dust off my flute and try to play again since we all have time at home now during the Covid-19. The last time I played was in 9th grade 1991! I pretty much forgot everything! So these videos are so helpful!
Hi there AG - that's a great question. I think that you will still be able to play normally, but that you'll just make adjustments to suit your teeth shape. Everyone has different shaped faces, so everyone's embouchure is a little different, but incorporates the critical 2 things of having a very small hole, and relaxed lips. Good luck!
Thank you for your very clear videos, Jane. I am confused though about one point - you say that every part of the body has to be completely relaxed - but how can one give support when the abdomen area is completely relaxed? Doesn't it have to be tightened in some way? In other words, how does one give support ( especially when trying to play higher notes softly, for example) with a relaxed abdomen?
Hi Impwriter - excellent question. In fact, I've thought about how I phrased that statement too in the months since recording the video. Of course if we're totally relaxed, everywhere, we'd go floppy and fall over! The aim is more to get rid of unnecessary tension in all the parts of your body that it creeps into. As for the abdomen, I used to have SO much tightness there that I had to learn to let it go, however, now that I'm relaxed there, the muscles are still "engaged", just not overly tight and constricting. Hope that helps! Jane
Well it's different for everybody. If you follow the tips in this video (and the STEP 2 video), you should be able to get a sound in a day or two, but don't worry if you need to practice longer than that.
Are you a flute teacher or a sorceress? I've been playing for 8 days now. First day: no sound at all. Second day: one or two sounds. From then on, notes down to D, and some tentative hints at overblowing (clarinet is my main instrument, so I know overblowing in principle). My tone: super-mega-ugly. Now, after your video: 500 per cent better sound! Much less air is going the wrong way. Thank you!!!
Hi, I just stumbled across your videos and I find them very helpful. I've recently noticed that I've lost my tone (though it might just be due to my ears improving) and I've been dedicating the last two weeks entirely to getting it back. Is it possible that one can pout too much? I certainly don't want a smiley embouchure, but I can't help but feel as though I am "frowning" too much and can't quite find that middle ground. Any advice?
Hi Allison - that's great you find the lessons helpful! And so true - it could be your improved hearing that changes your sound! So, yes, absolutely, you don't want to pout toooo much. If you're frowning too much, it sounds like you need to first relax your mouth. I know it's easier said than done. You should find the lessons in the free tone course helpful if you need more insight than this. Good luck! Jane
Having played for nearly 2 years I stopped practising for nearly 12 years. Now I want to practising. Unfortunately my fingers have become more stiff and inflexible. It is same with my tone as well. What would you advise me in my daily practice. Thanks
Hi Prakash, great that you're back into flute practicing! For your tone, you just need time (a few weeks) to get used to playing again. But also make sure you're using the correct technique to blow (sign up to the free tone course at the end of this video if you'd like more help). For your stiff fingers, sometimes the tension can come from other parts of your body. Check to see that your shoulders are relaxed, as a start! Good luck! Jane
Are you covering the end of the headjoint with the palm of your hand when you make a sound? If so, don't. It will take more air, but you'll discover the tone more easily when you try it with your flute put together.
İngilizce bilmiyorum, avustralya ingilizcesi hiç bilmiyorum. Ancak flütü nasıl üfleyecegimi anladım. Pirinç tanesini ileri iter gibi tüüü diye nefesimi aynı doğrultuda ileri üfleyeceğim sanırım. Teşekkür ederim..
There's a pigeon on the balcony waiting for the rice.
Yes it’s funny, of ALL the beautiful birds that come to visit me, a PIGEON got a cameo!
Love the rice idea. Learning Quena and found your video when I was looking for suggestions on improving embouchure. The rice worked!
That's awesome to hear Paul the rice method worked for you! If you're interested in improving your tone further, check out my free 3 day mini course. Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/free
Thank you Jane...very interesting!
Glad you liked it! 😊
Clearly since there's a global pandemic going on, it was absolutely necessary that I pick up the flute I learned to play in grade school and have not touched since 8th grade, which was thirty years ago. You have taught me so much in the half hour of videos I've watched. Thank you!
Kelly - that is WONDERFUL to hear! Best of luck with the flute after lots of years!
*** global "plandemic"
Thank you Jane. Not a flute player but I found this really engaging and interesting
Glad you enjoyed it Peembee!
Thank you for the videos. I decided to dust off my flute and try to play again since we all have time at home now during the Covid-19. The last time I played was in 9th grade 1991! I pretty much forgot everything! So these videos are so helpful!
That's so great to hear M!
Hi Jane. Im 24 and just picked up the flute (being a composition student) and your videos have been really helpful for me!
Greetings from Chile!
Hi to you in Chile! I'm glad the videos have helped you :)
SANTIAGO DE AGUIRRE PENNA im 26 and just starting goodluck
I like ur videos a lot. Very classic!!
this helped a crap ton, thanks, part 2 did aswell
You're very welcome! 😊
3:27 pigeon wants to learn too!
Hahaha! Yes, not so easy to play with wings...
Photobomb
4 pigeons disliked this video
You are fabulous, Jane. Good flute. Ever come to the UU States?
Oh that's so nice of you Kevyn! I'm glad it's helping you. Every now and then I travel to the US yes - I love visiting :)
Works like magic ❤ 😘 thank you.
Oh that's great Ipsita! Nice work :)
Having an outward teeth can it affect the sound?
Hi there AG - that's a great question. I think that you will still be able to play normally, but that you'll just make adjustments to suit your teeth shape. Everyone has different shaped faces, so everyone's embouchure is a little different, but incorporates the critical 2 things of having a very small hole, and relaxed lips. Good luck!
Thank you for your very clear videos, Jane. I am confused though about one point - you say that every part of the body has to be completely relaxed - but how can one give support when the abdomen area is completely relaxed? Doesn't it have to be tightened in some way? In other words, how does one give support ( especially when trying to play higher notes softly, for example) with a relaxed abdomen?
Hi Impwriter - excellent question. In fact, I've thought about how I phrased that statement too in the months since recording the video. Of course if we're totally relaxed, everywhere, we'd go floppy and fall over! The aim is more to get rid of unnecessary tension in all the parts of your body that it creeps into. As for the abdomen, I used to have SO much tightness there that I had to learn to let it go, however, now that I'm relaxed there, the muscles are still "engaged", just not overly tight and constricting. Hope that helps! Jane
Hi I like your videos
Little Miss Scotland Thank you :)
Hi Jane, how long beginer flutist have to practice with embouchure to produce nice sound ?
Well it's different for everybody. If you follow the tips in this video (and the STEP 2 video), you should be able to get a sound in a day or two, but don't worry if you need to practice longer than that.
Are you a flute teacher or a sorceress? I've been playing for 8 days now. First day: no sound at all. Second day: one or two sounds. From then on, notes down to D, and some tentative hints at overblowing (clarinet is my main instrument, so I know overblowing in principle). My tone: super-mega-ugly. Now, after your video: 500 per cent better sound! Much less air is going the wrong way. Thank you!!!
Awww you're so sweet! Glad to hear I could help! 😀
Amazing trick,and the get free food too 😊
Glad you liked the video! 😀
Hi, I just stumbled across your videos and I find them very helpful. I've recently noticed that I've lost my tone (though it might just be due to my ears improving) and I've been dedicating the last two weeks entirely to getting it back. Is it possible that one can pout too much? I certainly don't want a smiley embouchure, but I can't help but feel as though I am "frowning" too much and can't quite find that middle ground. Any advice?
Hi Allison - that's great you find the lessons helpful! And so true - it could be your improved hearing that changes your sound!
So, yes, absolutely, you don't want to pout toooo much. If you're frowning too much, it sounds like you need to first relax your mouth. I know it's easier said than done. You should find the lessons in the free tone course helpful if you need more insight than this. Good luck! Jane
Having difficulty getting started on the course.
it's quite normal, don't give up
Having played for nearly 2 years I stopped practising for nearly 12 years. Now I want to practising. Unfortunately my fingers have become more stiff and inflexible. It is same with my tone as well. What would you advise me in my daily practice. Thanks
Hi Prakash, great that you're back into flute practicing!
For your tone, you just need time (a few weeks) to get used to playing again. But also make sure you're using the correct technique to blow (sign up to the free tone course at the end of this video if you'd like more help).
For your stiff fingers, sometimes the tension can come from other parts of your body. Check to see that your shoulders are relaxed, as a start!
Good luck! Jane
I can make a sound when using just the headjoint, but when I connect it to the rest of the flute, I can't do it :( Help?
Hi Madison - oh no! It might be that there's something wrong with your flute (take it to a repairer to check it out, if you can!) Good luck :)
Are you covering the end of the headjoint with the palm of your hand when you make a sound? If so, don't. It will take more air, but you'll discover the tone more easily when you try it with your flute put together.
İngilizce bilmiyorum, avustralya ingilizcesi hiç bilmiyorum. Ancak flütü nasıl üfleyecegimi anladım. Pirinç tanesini ileri iter gibi tüüü diye nefesimi aynı doğrultuda ileri üfleyeceğim sanırım. Teşekkür ederim..
You are welcome Seyla! I don't speak Turkish, so I hope you can translate this. I'm glad the video helped you and thank you for the comment :)
Now I know why you've got pigeons on the balcony and well ... how you feed them :)
Haha John! yes, the pigeon did a cameo for the video.
So are you using your tongue to push the rice out, making a thou sound?
Yep that's correct! 😀