Why Is My Flute Tone So Airy?
Oh, the struggle of every flutist, ever. From the complete beginner to the professional flutist, we have all struggled with our flute tone at some point or another. So, to make sure your tone isn’t airy, let’s try a few tweaks and exercises.
Your aperture is too big/too loose
The aperture, or the opening of your mouth when you’re making “flute face” can make a huge difference when it comes to air in your flute tone. If you’re finding that your tone is extremely airy or fuzzy, then you’ll want to close that aperture ever so slightly. Make small changes because small changes get the best results. So, carefully and slowly close your lips. If your tone becomes weak, then you can try the other way around. Close your lips completely and then make your “flute face” without opening them. Start pushing air towards your lips and then when the pressure builds up behind them, allow your lips to pop open just a little with the quietest sound “pooh.” This will help you learn how small your aperture can be without completely tightening your embouchure. To make either of these work, you’ll need to work carefully and mindfully, making sure that your jaw, neck, and lips don’t tighten.
You’re pushing TOO much air
If you have airy flute tone, then it’s likely that you’re pushing too much air (see above) through an opening that’s too large. Pull back on the amount of air you’re sending through and, again, allow the air to build up behind your lips and let it push through with a quiet “pooh” sound.
You’re smiling!
I know, I know, smiling seems like a good thing, right? Well, not when it comes to flute, unfortunately. Lots of band directors will advise young students to smile when creating their embouchure for the first couple of years, which is reality is the exact opposite of what you should be doing. Don’t tense up to frown, but when you make your flute face, you should be relaxing the corners of your mouth down. The key word here is relax. If you tighten, you’ll make the situation worse, so take a deep breath in your through nose, bring your flute up, and then extend your lips to meet your lip-plate. Take another deep breath, relax your jaw down as though you’re yawning, relax your neck muscles, and relax the corners of your lips down.
Key Takeaways
Relax! Let jaw and neck be loose and malleable.
Don’t smile - relax the corners of your lips down.
Pull back on your air usage just a hair.
Want to improve your flute tone? I’m accepting flute students! Book today at the link below!
I’m a professional flute teacher and performer that’s basically done it all. I’ve worked with nearly every type of student and I’ve found that the best approach to learning is a mindful one. So, if you want to have a musical partner that meets you where you are and helps you build goals and technical mastery to get you where you’d like to be, I would love to hear from you!
