How do i make a sound on a flute?

Question

I'm trying to learn how to play the flute and i friend of mine is teaching me but she's been away and i can't seem to get a sound i've tried almost everything any advice??

Answer 1

Hi MD23.   Don't give up....   I think you just need a little help.   :))  There is no real reason to put the whole flute together if you are not able to make a sound.   What I normally do with brand new flute students is only play on the headjoint for at least one week.   After that... if they are making a nice sound, I let me assemble the flute.  If not,  They should practice for another week.    

Using the headjoint only is pretty simple and will keep you from being so frustrated.    To begin,  you should bring the headjoint to your lips ( actually, just below).  Hold it in position with both of your hands.   Make sure the lip plate is securely positioned against your bottom teeth... that you can actually feel it pressing against your teeth.  Now,  before you start blowing, think about where you are going to target the air.   Let me explain where you are NOT going to target the air first.  You are not going to blow towards your nose.  You are not going to blow straight forward.  You are not going to blow downwards toward the floor.   Where you are going to blow is diagonally.   Pretend that you have a spoon of hot soup and are blowing to cool it down.  You would place the spoon below your mouth but about 2 inches in front of it.   So, the technique is to blow outward and gently downward at a slight diagonal.   OK....  with the flute at your lips and your lips slightly opened ... and the idea of where to position your air stream....blow > Hard!!   Don't just blow with your natural breath... blow hard with your stomach muscles...  you really have to feel your stomach push the air forward.   If you don't get a sound the first time...  re-read these suggestions and try again.  You will get a sound.   The next thing to do, once you do get the sound going is to focus on feeling what is going on.   Think about what you are doing... try to start to memorize the physical feeling  and how it does make you produce the sound.   Keep with it for 5 to 10 minutes and then rest.   In about an hour.  Pick up the headjoint and go for it again for another 5-10minutes.   I recommend my students do this exercise 3 to 4 times a day and for 5-10 minutes.   On the second or third day of success,  it would be a good idea to take a look in the mirror and actually see yourself blowing and making a good strong sound.   I would not bother assembling the flute until your sound is strong and loud.   Then wait for your friend to help you start with the first notes.  

Hopefully   You are going to have a BIG surprise for her when she does get back.   Hope it works for you... as I am usually in the presense of my students when giving them their first blowing lesson.   Best of Luck.

Answer 2

throw it against the wall

Answer 3

Choose a note  to play that is easy. If i remember correctly try A. Some notes require more intense concentration and stronger air pressure. If you will view the tail fins of an airplane they can be maneuvered to tilt up and down. This allows the air to be directed and then hence the plane.  When you press your lips together try to make your lips to allow air out in a slim oval shape. Also in the same direction is important. In this case across the top of the flute that you will be rolling back and forth. One must be able to remember when placing the flute below the mouth that one can roll the flute towards or away until a pure note is created. Finally, the placing of the flute below your lips should be in the same place always and the hole of the flute also. Blow the air slightly into the opening. The same/exact placement of the flute was vitally important and continually stressed when I was trained. And, finally close all the proper holes with your fingers because one can forget that after practicing for a hour or so. I am not a professional player, this is my disclaimer.

Answer 4

Easier to SHOW you than to explain - use only the headjoint.  Hold it under your lip - or partially ON the lower lip, since lip thickness varies - and blow out POOOH.  Find the spot that works best.  Cap and uncap the open end with your other hand - gt two notes.  NOW try TOOO.  Using the tongue to start a note is called articulation - it makes cleaner sound.  

Another exercise -

put down the flute.  Hold your forearm vertically, with your palm towards you face.  Without moving your HEAD up and down, use just your lips ( and a little bit of your chin) to make a BEAM of air travel up and down your arm.  You will need this skill to help you change notes (especially octaves) on the flute, later.

Answer 5

JUST KEEP TRYING :)

No matter how hard you think it is... eventually it will come to you! I had my flute for 5 years before I could make a single sound and now I am like the best flute player in my band!

Just whatever you do,

DONT QUIT PLAYING FLUTE

because later on in high school flutes get all the cool music. It's true. lol

hope this helped!

Good luck!

You'll ROckk!!!

Bye!