Flute Hacks!
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May Studio News
Do Musicians Take Medication for Performance Anxiety?
Remember that stage fright and the occasional jitters are different from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders cause pervasive and invasive anxiousness at a much higher level than simple stage fright. Again, these are things to discuss with your doctor to know whether or not you’re dealing with simple pre-performance jitters or if you have an anxiety disorder that may require a different type of treatment.
Best Beginner Flute Brands Under $1000
Are you on the hunt for a beginner flute? Well, look no further. I’ve tried hundreds of different flute models, and having started on a $100 eBay no-name flute, myself, I’m here to tell you which brands will get you the most play-time without spending thousands if you don’t know that your beginner will stick with it. Not only will these flutes play well, meaning your flutist will be able to grow with them, but they will also hold up for a long time and stand up to a little bit of abuse (for the younger player, although we encourage teaching your younger virtuoso flutist early on how to care for their flute well. See my Flute Care and Maintenance blog post). So, let’s get going!
Is Is Too Late to Learn Flute?
When I began teaching flute, I heard a lot from adults that would say, “I would love to learn (or re-learn) the flute but I’m just too old. This is SO far from the truth. We spend so much of our time being worried about being “too old” for something for a few reasons - one, we’re afraid we will look silly doing an activity that children often do in school, and two, we are concerned we won’t have enough time to get good. But, here’s the thing - enjoying a hobby and enjoying your life isn’t about “being good” and you will never, ever look silly if you’re enjoying something!
Common Injuries for Flutists and How to Prevent Them
It seems like I’m constantly seeing flutists (not unlike myself) struggling with injuries. We play and play and play not even thinking that what we are doing isn’t necessarily the most natural thing for humans to do. We’re working muscles that most people don’t even know they have (which, in my opinion, makes us superhuman, but that’s just me) and we’re doing so for extended periods of time. Just like any other muscles, these can get fatigued or injured without proper stretching and resting, so I’m here to tell you a few of those injuries and how they can be prevented.
How Do I Get Better at Flute?
I know, I know, we all want to get better at this thing that we love. Sometimes it’s tough to figure out exactly how, especially if you’re a self-taught flute player. I’m so excited that you’re here, though, because I’m going to give you my best tips to getting better at the flute!
Flute Lore, Pt 1
Of course, there are many historically accurate stories of how the flute originated, and as fun as those are, I like to operate on the quirkier side of the railroad tracks. So, our first and most important story is the origin of the pan flute (otherwise known as pan pipes) and its ties to the nymph Syrinx and our most famous solo work.
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.
Flute Cleaning and Maintenance Tools You Should Own
All too often, beginner flute players turn to intermediate players and even advanced players without the basic knowledge and tools on hand to adequately clean, disinfect, and do basic maintenance or repairs to their flutes when needed.
April Studio News
Most Famous Flute Pieces
I get this question a lot with students starting out or wanting to build their musical libraries: What is the most famous flute piece? Well, that’s not as easy to answer as it might seem. At the end of the day, there’s really no data on the matter, but in my own personal research, it seems that there are two pieces that flutists and non-flutists are most familiar with.
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.
Three Fun and Interesting Solo Flute Pieces
Are You Ready to Learn Piccolo?
Picking up a new instrument can be a difficult decision. Here are a couple of criteria to help you know when you’re ready.
How to Play Staccato Notes on Flute
Flute Maintenance 101
So, how often should you be cleaning your flute? What’s the best way to clean it? How often should you have maintenance done to your flute? All will be answered below.
Three Baroque Flute Pieces You Should Definitely Play
You should definitely play at least a few Baroque pieces over the course of your flute journey, and I have some suggestions as to which ones.
How to Play Beautiful High Notes on Flute
We all know the struggle. Once we start delving into the higher register on flute, it can be like fighting to get a beautiful, full tone. Some notes, particularly e-natural, can sound thin and airy, and other notes just can’t be achieved at all. Here are a few strategies to help those high notes open up and sound beautiful, full, and lush.
The Secrets to Clean Articulation on Flute
Articulation is a delicate balance between your fingers, breath, and tongue. It takes practice, practice, practice, but here are a few essential tips for clean tonguing and beautiful articulation on the flute.
March Studio News
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