Category: Jam Session
Hello, All!
Well, as some of you know I've been studying the flute for a little over three months. Honestly it is not too hard. Posture isn't a problem, fingering isn't a problem, tonguing and articulation isn't a problem, breathing in longer phrases isn't a problem either. My biggest frustration is that low C! My is it hard to get a ritch sound. I mean I can play the note, but it sounds too breathy. I'm doing some breathing exercises on a daily basis, and I practice at least three hours a day. But I don't kno?. It wares me out too. I love it, but I'm having lots of trouble with my C. Any suggestions, please? Thank you!
I think it tells me I have my mind in the gutter that when i first saw this topic title, the thing that immediately jumped into my head was sex, and the outdated form of birth control by the same name. LOL.
hahahaha. Evil minds thinking the same. Damn. hahahaha.
Not gonna lie, I thought the same thing.
I'm not experienced with the flute, but I can sing fairly well. I wasn't taught to sing, I just sort of figured it out. I know people who were taught, and they might have more specific advice, assuming you can take experience from vocal training and slap it on playing the flute. I don't know if you can, but if it's breath control or volume, you should be able to.
That said, this is probably something you can look up...breathing techniques for increasing both your lung capacity and the force of your breath. Your overall capacity won't get bigger - you can't really make your lungs become huge - but you can make them better acclimated to their potential.
I'm sorry I can't be of more help.
Haha wow all! you guys thought evil when this board is in jam session? lol! Well, isn't diaphragm a mustle that plays a major roal in breathing? lol! Right, greg. I've done research on the matter, but thought that some with vocal training and such would also have tips. I'd really appreciate it. *smiles
I'm curious to know why you think it is your diaphragm, or your breathing?
With a lot of wind instruments, it's the lips and throat that help you get that lowest note. I've read, in my study of bamboo sideblown flutes, that you open the lips slightly more for the lowest notes, sort of like cooked orzo pasta.
I'm thinking with the kind of hours you put into practicing your diaphragm is probably really in shape.
Also remember to open your throat, sort of as though you were going to fake doing an opera voice.
I've not been all that successful with sideblown flutes, though, this is just what I have read.
Yes, it is in the right section, but here is the thing.
If you are using Jaws, you are just scanning through the topic titles, and you don't see what board it is in unless you arrow down to see.
Next, many of topic has been posted in the wrong section? Smile.
I know how to sing and talk and yell with the diaphragm, but nothing about using it when playing a wind instrument. Used to be able to do the death metal growl, which is supposed to come from the diaphragm and stomach muscles so you don't strain your throat, but I haven't practiced in years. Haha.
I use the table commands in JAWS or NVDA but even with that I still was thrown for a loop on this one. That was, in fact, from my understanding a very uncomfortable birth control method for women.
Here's a page that will help:
http://www.jennifercluff.com/tone2.htm
All of the information there is very good, and has been given to me by other flute teachers as well. If you have time you might browse her other articles, too. She gives a lot of good advice, as well as debunking myths and bad advice that flutists often get. :)
Alison
I am sorry, butthis post made me think of Michelle from American Pie. I could not help thinking about her story of this one time at band camp. . .
I didn't think of it reading the title, but when I read fingering, tonguing, breathing... my mind went straight to the gutter and sex. Lol I figured I wasn't the only one though. I played trumpet so I don't know what it's like to play the flute, but from how you explained it that is what it sounds like with a lot of other flute players. I mean when they play real notes you can hear it sounding more airy. I wouldn't say it isn't something you can't fix, but at the same time I wouldn't say it is only a problem that you have.
lmao! ah well! it's funny, but I had to be very descriptive so you alb understood! thank you all, and Ryan, you're right. Leo and Alison, thank you.
Yes, I was wondering when I was going to hear the American Pie joke. It's always just a matter of time... :)
Ryan, you're right. It's not an uncommon problem, but it's something you should try to fix if possible. It gets more and more frustrating as you keep improving and realise the sound you have isn't the sound you should have.
Dolce, no problem. I hope that helps!
:) Alison
Yeah, I play pennywhistle, and, whith some of the long notes in tunes, I have to use my diaphragm. The diaphragm is very useful in order to keep playing a note for a long period of time. Especially with flute, well, any woodwind instrument, that is the most important thing. And, also, vibrato. :)
Bwahahaha! Gutter minds. But, as a user of the said "outdated" device, can say that it is not uncomfortable or ineffective.
As to the real topic, thanks for the link above, I am interested in learning flute, as well, so appreciate any tips. I'll be checking back on this thread.
I have noticed that when I involuntarily wake myself up from a nightmare by screaming, I also involuntarily do it with the diaphragm. Sounds like one of those factory whistles at quitting time.
I would suggest playing a pennywhistle before playing flute. :) It would really help to get one of those, so you have practice with breath control! :)