Flute

This is a basic informational page on teaching the flute. It is a work in progress, and your comments would be very helpful. These instructional pages are designed to help the new teacher, who has limited knowledge of instruments not their primary, to be able to confidently teach a beginning band class the proper techniques on each instrument.

Some helpful websites: http://www.jennifercluff.com/

• • Physical Considerations:
    • Problems with lips, overbite, or teeth may make it difficult to play.
    • Larger fingers may also hinder playing.
    • The flute uses only about 25% of the breath you put into it; may cause some students to become light-headed.
      • Instruct students to stop playing and take a break if they become light-headed. Resume playing when they feel better.
  • Position of Flute
    • It may be difficult to balance at first because the position feels unnatural.
    • Many will try to clamp down harder, and make their hands cramp up.
  • Making a Sound
    • The air must essentially be split, half going into the flute and half (or a little less than) not going into it.
    • If a clear tone is not produced, try the “bunny trick”: hold the flute up as though about to play, make a bunny face (showing the teeth, lip pulled up), hold for 4 counts, then play a note for 4 counts (no bunny face).