Tutor Pages » Flute Article by Miranda Gunn (LS6)
Picking up the Flute for the First Time
By: Miranda Gunn (LS6)
Subject:
Flute
Topic: advice (beginners)
Last updated: 04/03/2008
When starting the flute don't be daunted! - it can make you feel quite faint when you first try blowing down the tube.
Firstly, pick up the flute and hold it where you think is natural, then straighten up, push the flute away slightly, and blow across the hole at the top. Dont use all the air in your lungs.
Secondly, put it down and try picking it up again: getting your mouth to the right position each time is very important.
Keep trying this until you can make a clearer sound, then get a teacher to show you how to hold the flute properly and where to put your fingers.
It's quite scary at first thinking about how much air you are using, but you'll soon get used to it and playing will gradually become easier.