Can Anybody Help?

[Becky]

It''s about motivation, sometimes I feel so untalented at the
flute that I really can''t play without hating the sound I hear. Does anyone
else feel like this? Do you have any advice or things that I should do to get
myself out of this hole? Things that I should concentrate on doing, exercises
that would be useful? Thank you for taking the time to read this, any help
greatly appreciated, Becky xXxXx

[damjan]

Dear Becky, I think we all feel like this sometimes,
including myself. Also, some of the greatest musicians thought they did not play
well at all. The point is that nobody can start making great music overnight, it
takes time, and if you stick with it, you will begin enjoying it more and more.
Regarding exercises, I think you should focus on getting a nice tone, because
how everything else will sound will depend on how beatiful that single note is.
Practice long tones and listen to the lower overtone as you play higher notes
and to the higher overtones as you play lower notes. Be as relaxed as possible
so that the sound will not sound forced, especially in the higher register, and
listen to your sound so that you can constantly improve it. It should be focused
and natural. When you get a nice tone on one note, then you can practicing
skipping from one note to the other (the larger the intervals, the better) - to
get that same quality on each note. Working on sound is hard and requires a lot
of discipline, but it will greatly help your overall playing and it will show
when you play other technical passages. I hope this helps and best of luck.

[Starqle]

A huge part of playing flute, or doing anything for
that matter, goes on inside your own head. If you believe you can do something,
the chances of you doing it are far greater. Tell yourself everyday that you are
good flute player. Look in the mirror, so you can look into your eyes while you
do this. Write it down. Often - until you believe it and then some. Every time
doubts come creeping up, fight them down. Remind yourself of all the things you
can do already and that you are improving everyday. Reward yourself, at least
inside your own head, for everything you do well - from how you hold your
instrument to practicing to not giving up to getting the right notes, etc. Try
to enjoy your playing - it will be easier to practice if you do, as well as
making life more worth living. Also, try accomplish specific goals in every
practice session - a measure or two technically correct OR a scale learned,
something small. And when you do get it right, tell yourself that you did a good
job. Set slightly bigger goals for a week, and then for a month, etc. out right
celebrate the accomplishment of the bigger goals. I know all this might sound
silly, but it works. BTW, out of curiousity's sake, did you post the same
question on flute.com's board? if yes, are any of those suggestions helping?

[Becky]

Yeah, that was me, I did post the same message on
flute.com Alot of the tings people are saying to me make alot of sense.
Comforting to know I'm not the only one. It's just alot of musicians have
always played instuments since a young age and showed signs of musical talent
when they were little, I didn't. So I just wonder sometimes. Anyway, thanx for
your help. I appreciate it alot. Becky xXxXx

[Starqle]

I wonder about myself sometimes... but from what
I've seen it's just wasted energy. I'm glad some of the advice makes sense to
you.. I hope you enjoy hearing yourself play soon.

[Becky]

Yeeaaaaaaahhhhhh! Just had a brilliant lesson!
Haven't felt so good in ages!!!!!! Thank you so much. Will hang onto this
feeling as long as possible! Am on such a high! Even though it's raining
Thanks once again, Becky xXxXx