Playing the flute gives me headaches?

Question

I played the clarinet for a while and I switched to flute not too long ago. The songs I play are already involving high notes and I always get headaches playing them. What should I do?

Answer 1

Hello PF.

What is happening  is.... you are getting a head rush from blowing as hard as needed to reach those high notes.  It is normal though I know it can be painful  I am surprised you are not getting dizzy as well.

I really don't know what you can do except try not to blow so hard.  Relax your embouchure and try and blow futher forward instead of across and down.

When you start feeling head pain  -  just stop and take a break.  Hopefully this will work itself out.  But if not,  you are very lucky you can still play the clarinet.  :))

Thanks for reading and best of luck

Answer 2

Well, if it's the sound that's giving you a headache you could try earplugs but if it's not it's because you're probably blowing too hard so just try to use slower air. :)

Answer 3

this sometimes happens to me, although i play the clarinet.. i think you just have to get used to the increased amount of air that the flute requires to play. whenever you get a headache, take a break until it goes away. my head used to hurt really bad, but i can't remember getting a headache from playing in a while.. i'm sure it will get better though.. just keep at it and don't give up on it! good luck :]  

Answer 4

the flute requires much more air to play than the clarinet, and blowing a lot of air at one time is the cause of your headaches. Basically, you'll just have to get used to it. ask your band director for breathing exercises, that should also help.