Unusual problem playing middle notes

Natalie · Post by **Natalie** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 7:49 pm

I have a problem playing middle notes, mostly middle E and F, but the notes higher than E and F are hard, too. Say I play middle E. What comes out is not only middle E, but low E as well. I get two octaves at the same time. I've tried putting more air in, adjusting my embouchoure (sp?), and using alternate fingerings. I have alternate fingerings for E and F, but they aren't good for when I have to move my fingers fast. What should I do? I can't get rid of it. Do I just need more practice? I'm playing a grand spanking-new flute (just got it yesterday), so maybe the pads still need to settle into place.

If it makes any difference, I started on an old flute (it's thirtysomething years old and has been hanging around in a musty closet for 30) that probably had leaky pads.

MonikaFL · Post by **MonikaFL** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:22 pm

This is a really common problem, don't worry.

Try exaggerating the "oo" sound in "tuba" (amidst a flute embouchure of course) when you play that middle E, and think about blowing out a candle that's across the room... but don't blast the air. You might also need to think about ever so slightly pushing your bottom jaw forward while doing this.

That particular E seems to be a "break" for us, even though we don't really have one in the sense that clarinets do.

Hope this helps!

Natalie · Post by **Natalie** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:29 pm

You're right, imitating "oo" works. Of course I'll need some more practice, but this really helps. Thanks.

finallyflute-ing · Post by **finallyflute-ing** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:36 pm

If you just got a new flute, then it might possibly be an embouchoure issue that just will take time to fix. I know one of my friends in the department over here just got a new flute and he's had to make several changes to his embouchoure over the past two weeks, but once he figured out what made his flute play well it's been wonderful.
I also know that I have a lot of trouble with those notes E and F being bi-tonal. With me, at least, it is completely an embouchoure issue. Since I realized this and have been playing with my embouchoure to fix it those notes have been coming out so much more smoothly.
Good luck, I hope you get your issue fixed!

Natalie · Post by **Natalie** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:55 pm

Ah. I thought it was an embouchoure issue. I had this problem on the old, out of repair flute I used to play aswell. Since I pretty much taught myself, it's not surprising something like this would happen.