Listening to get the most out of playing!

It seems obvious, as music cannot exist without sound and hearing, but many of my pupils underestimate how useful really listening to themselves whilst practising can be.

For example, for a beginner, if the sound is hard to produce and unclear you can think through the information your teacher has given you....is my flute lined up properly? Is the embouchure hole in the centre of my lips? Am I covering up too much of the hole? Are my hands positioned over the correct keys? Am I blowing to hard or too softly? Often by experimenting with these 'check points' you will find the answer and enjoy your practice more.

By doing this you can be your own teacher. It is far better to do five minutes practice with real focus than one hour without!