Three Tricks to Improve your Flute’s Middle Register
It’s not abnormal to struggle with your middle register - from the beginner airy notes to intermediate note cracks to advanced intonation - this is a tricky spot on the flute. While it doesn’t seem like it would be, the second octave C natural through E natural can give flutists of all calibers difficulty over the course of their careers. Here are my top three tricks to improve that middle register and avoid some of the frustration that comes with the middle register of the flute.
Long Tones
Practicing long tones is the number 1 way to improve your tone (and intonation) across any register. This is an ongoing practice, one that I actually start with my students pretty early in lessons. Not only is it a great way to warm up, but it’s also an incredibly telling exercise. Long tones will show you where the problems are and if you’re paying attention (cough PRACTICING MINDFULLY cough) they will also tell you how to fix them. I usually like to focus on one register per week, rotating through and continually practicing them. So, the week that I work on my middle register I have to be particularly mindful. Grab your tuner and breathe deep. I recommend working with Trevor Wye’s Practice Book 1, Tone and running through the entire middle register section. If this is too much, start with the first section of exercises and add one new section each day. Remember not to move on until you have the most beautiful tone you’ve played all week.
Vowels & Aperture
The vowel shape that you create in your mouth can make a huge difference in your ability to make beautiful tones in each octave. For instance, in your high register, creating the vowel shape “ee” can help, or in the low register “oh.” For the middle register, you want to be somewhere in between, such as an “oooh” or “u.” If you’re getting a really airy tone, you’ll need to adjust your aperture, making it a little smaller - don’t tighten, though! Be careful not to completely tighten your lips or create the “smiley face” embouchure. Relax the edges of your mouth down. Key word being “relax,” and close your aperture just a little.
Relax your Throat
The biggest mistake I see for many flutists is the tension being held in the neck and through. This is a key principle in Alexander Technique. If the neck and throat are tight, the rest of the body will follow. Opening the throat creates resonance, giving you a bigger, more beautiful sound. So, before you start your long tone work, take a deep breath and take stock of your tension, let go of the holding in your neck and throat, and begin.
Key Takeaways
Practice long tones
Trevor Wye’s Tone Book is incredibly helpful
Use the “oooh” or u” vowel shape
Relax the edges of your mouth down
Relax your neck and throat
If you’re looking for flute lessons, give me a shout! Also, find me on Music Teacher Directory.
