Flute techniques
Flute techniques
1.The flute is tuned sharp. Head joint should be pulled out at least 1/4 inch from the barrel. This allows room for adjustment.
2.Minor Changes- Roll in to get flatter, Roll out to get sharper. This can be done while playing.
3.Major Changes- If the instrument is consistently sharp or flat adjust the amount of the head joint is pulled in or out. Pull out to get flatter, push in to get sharper.
4.Emergency!- If the instrument is an intonation nightmare, perhaps the cork is out of place. Only adjust the cork if the calibration is off. If the cork is loose, it should be replaced by a repair person.
5.Checking the cork:
-Insert the end of the cleaning rod into the head joint and look through the embouchure hole
-If the line is in the middle of the hole, then the cork is in the proper place.
-If it is to the left of the hole, the cork should be pushed in a bit.
-If it is to the right of the hole, the cork should be pulled out a bit.
-Tell students they’re not allowed to move the cork and the crown costs $60-100 if lost.
6. Temperature affects intonation. Hot instruments play sharp. Cold instruments play flat. This is why you’ll see flutists blowing hot air through their instruments while depressing all of their keys before attempting to play.
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
-Shin’ichi Suzuki
Intonation
Copyright Karen McLaughlin-Large, 2013