Flute Neglect
I feel as though I’m neglecting my flute because I haven’t had the time to actually play it.
I’ll be changing that sometime tomorrow when I manage to dust off some of my old sheet music to pretend I still remember how to play 
.
Now that I think about it, I need to tighten some screws and oil my keys. Regular scheduled maintenance.
# Silverpipe wrote on February 28, 2006 at 7:22 pm:
Hello, I’m a flute player too.
I’ve been playing the flute for three years.
You wouldn’t believe my age though,,,! 40!
I’m learning flute at Yamaha Music school once a week, and practicing everyday. I’m having problems getting “pure rich sound” in the high notes; the third octave scale,,,, I’ve read lots of books on rich sounds, listening to Galway’s CD but it’s not there yet!
It was nice to find your web site!
# Natalle wrote on March 2, 2006 at 6:35 am:
Hi. I play the flute too. It ’s only my second years but I do like it a lot.
I was wondering if you have any tips about playing high notes. I have been practicing some scales lately and I had some trouble with the high A.
# Hobby Flautist wrote on March 2, 2006 at 12:59 pm:
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Silverpipe - you’re never too old to play the flute
.
Once you get the hang of it, it’s really a gratifying feeling to conquer a song you’ve been wanting to learn for a while.
As for pure rich sound in the high notes (and this will apply to you as well Natalle), it’s all about allowing the air to flow properly.
Open up that windpipe, make sure your flute is extremely warm (playing in a cold room or with air conditioning on will most likely affect the tone quality), tighten that embrasure, and control the air flow with your diaphragm.
I know it sounds a lot easier said that done (and it really is), but after lots of practice, it will seem like second nature
.