How can i play long notes on the flute?

Question

When i try to play long notes (whole notes, tied whole notes, 4+ beats), i'm immediately out of breath. how can i fix this? >.<

Answer 1

HI there.  The short fix is to take in a deep long breath through the nose... as nose breaths fill the lungs more fully than mouth breaths do.  This is a technique you will have to practice and get used to.

The long and permanent fix is to develop the diaphragm.  You do this with a breathing apparatus and daily exercises.   There are a couple that are made with flute players in mind.  One is called a breathing bag and the other is a plastic cylindrical tube with a ping pong  ball inside.  You can probably find both of these from WoodWind and Brasswind online or call their toll free number.  These breathing things are really very popular with college flute professors and professional flutists that teach.  There is not an easy way to accomplish this type of endurance.....   just practicing!!!!

Thanks for reading.

Answer 2

What you are doing is breathing into your chest.  I&#039;m guessing that if you stand in front of a mirror and watch yourself play, you shoulders will move up when you breath in.  When you breath into your chest you don&#039;t get as much air.

Breath into you stomach and you&#039;ll get tons more air.

Plus the more you practice breathing the right way the longer you&#039;ll be able to play.

Answer 3

use your diaphragm!

super important.

try breathing in without raising your shoulders, you get more air and you&#039;re using your diaphragm.

then put your hands on your stomach and back, then do the same thing, if you&#039;re doing it properly you should be expanding.

breathing exercises too.

8 in 8 out

8 in 8 out

8 in 4 out

4 in 4 out

4 in 2 out.

Answer 4

take  deep breath or sk your band teacher what to do

Answer 5

If you find yourself out of breath, the solution is simple.

1. Take in as much air as humanly possible

2. Use a tighter appiture (make hole that air comes out of slightly smaller so not as much air leaves mouth at once)

OR...

Take as much air as you can for as long as you can and breathe out. Count how long you can blow! Then try to beat that!

OR.....

Try playing &quot;Breath Holding&quot; Contests with friends. It&#039;s a great way to build up lung endurance!!!

Hope this helped!!!

YAY FLUTE!

Answer 6

Make sure you are doing lots of long warm up practices before beginning to play.  Try to practice vibrato as well, it will strengthen your stomach and breathing techniques and will help you hold a note longer.  I still feel that way if I don&#039;t warm up properly!