Flute Hacks!
Scroll for our monthly newsletter and other flute tips and tricks!
Why are my low notes so airy? Common low-register flute problems and solutions
Struggling with airy low notes on the flute? You’re not alone. Many flutists face challenges in achieving a full, resonant tone in the low register. Fortunately, with some adjustments and mindful practice, you can create the beautiful, velvety low notes you’re aiming for. Here are the most common issues and their solutions.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Flute Players: Fun, Practical, and Perfect for Flutists
The holidays are here, and if you’re searching for the perfect gift for the flutist in your life, look no further! Whether they’re a beginner, returning flutist, or seasoned pro, there are plenty of thoughtful and unique gift options to make their season bright. From whimsical accessories to practical tools, this guide covers the best holiday gift ideas for flute players, including flute lessons in San Diego and online flute lessons, which are the ultimate gift for flutists this season.
Is It Hard to Learn the Flute? Here’s What You Need to Know
Learning a new instrument is always a challenge, and the flute is no exception. However, with the right guidance, practice habits, and mindset, playing the flute can be an enjoyable and rewarding journey. Let’s explore what makes learning the flute unique, what challenges you might face, and how to set yourself up for success.
Enhancing Flute Lessons with an iPad: Why It’s a Must-Have Tool
In today’s digital age, the iPad has revolutionized the way we teach and learn music. As a flute teacher, I’ve found incorporating an iPad into lessons to be an absolute game-changer. Here’s why it’s worth the investment—and how you can make the most of it.
Listening Deeply: How to Improve Your Flute Tone by Being Present in Your Practice
As flutists, we’re always chasing that elusive, perfect tone—pure, rich, and resonant. But achieving it isn’t just about technique or equipment. It’s about tuning into yourself and engaging your mind and body with curiosity and kindness. So, as your favorite San Diego flute teacher, allow me to help you explore how mindfulness can help you unlock your most beautiful flute sound.
The Case of the Locking Pinky: Improving Flute Technique for Hypermobile Students
Whoops - looks like your pinky locked again and you can’t hit your low C - am I right? Yeah, I’ve been there too. As a hypermobile musician, it’s important to understand what locking joints can do to your technique and, even more importantly, how to prevent them.
“My Trauma Makes Me A Better Musician” and Other Truths from a Flute Teacher with PTSD
From childhood PTSD, being groomed, car accidents, and various types of abuse in my life all the way up to my college years where I experienced what I’ve dubbed “teacher trauma,” burnout, anger, and general distrust of the system that I fell in love with, I have stories galore that shaped me. There were many moments where I believed these stories would make me a less desirable teacher - someone who couldn’t relate or properly traumatize students the way that the classical music world taught me I needed to. I believed I “wasn’t cut out for it” and I “wasn’t mentally tough enough” for the job of being a professional musician and teacher, when the reality is that my trauma and my experiences were (in the background) helping to mold me into an empathetic musician and teacher - one that can spot emotional distress from a mile away and one that can make you feel something in a piece that may come across as static if performed by someone with less understanding of the emotions the composer was trying to convey.
How to Play Flute With Less Tension and More Ease
Physical tension in flute playing can accumulate in various areas of the body, often without awareness. This tension arises for many reasons, but fundamentally, it's the body’s response to challenging situations. When faced with difficulty, the subconscious may brace for failure or push the muscles to strive for success. It's crucial to recognize that tension is the body's attempt to assist. However, this can lead to tight grips in the fingers, hindering quick movement, or rigidity that affects proper breathing
How to Guarantee You’ll Make Progress in Your Flute Playing
Guaranteeing you'll make progress at your flute is hard, but if you follow these steps, you can make moves and continue to make gains in your playing.
Moving My Flute Lesson Studio to San Diego
Moving my flute lesson studio to San Diego is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I learned some lessons along the way.
Top 5 Best Flute Solos to Play When You’re Burnt Out
Feeng burnt out by your flute? Let’s play some pieces that will inspire you to pick your flute back up.
Mindfulness in Your Flute Practice
Mindfulness is integral to building yourself into a competent, confident musician. Click to read more.
3 Ways to Improve Your Flute Tone
Struggling with your flute tone? Here are 3 ways you can work to improve it, courtesy of a flute teacher with 20+ years of experience.
Three Ways You Can Support Your Child While They Take Online Flute Lessons
There are a few key ways you can support your child while they take online flute lessons and they’re super important to their success…
Three Reasons Your Music Practice Routine Sucks
Is your practice routine ruining your musical growth? Are you struggling to get better? Click to read how to get better!
How Can I Salvage a Bad Flute Tone Day?
Having a bad tone day? Here are a few ways to fix it!
The Role of Flute Lessons in Music Education and School Bands
Not sure if your band student should be taking private lessons? Here’s why they definitely should!
Serenading Adulthood: Why Your 20s Are Ideal for Learning the Flute
Wondering if you should pick up the flute in your 20s? Here’s a compelling argument that it’s the BEST time to begin learning an instrument.
Flute Tone for Fuller Lips
Are you struggling with your flute tone as a person with fuller lips? Click here to learn a few ways you can correct your embouchure to better accommodate your body!
Flute Embouchure Secrets: Techniques for Beautiful Tone
Struggling to get the beautiful tone that you want to hear from your flute? Click to read more!
Let’s work together
