question from beginner about notes

[kate]

hello, I am very new to the flute, I have just bought one after wanting one for many years. I have had my flute for 4 days - I am teaching myself using the internet for help, my question is that I can get four notes very clearly (the higher ones) but when I try to get the lower notes I get nothing! is this normal ? can anyone give me any tips for self-learning?

many thanks

[fluteguy18]

yes this is normal. Rome wasnt built in a day, so dont expect to be able to play all of the notes at the beginning. Just practice, and keep working. It will pay off. As for self learning, I would recommend getting at least a couple of lessons with a teacher to get you started [ to make sure you are using proper hand technique to ensure that you wont develope bad habits]. I also recommend using an audio recorder and playing it back to yourself.

[flutepicc06]

Good advice from fluteguy. I don't know what type of flute you have or in what condition you purchased it, but especially for the lowest notes, the pads need to seal really well for those pitches to speak. If your flute is particularly leaky, it could cause problems with the low range. I'd suggest having a tech look at it. If it's used, it may need some maintainance/repair, and if it's new, it likely has not been set up properly yet, both instances in which a visit to a tech is highly useful. Besides all that, try angling your air down into the flute slightly more, and focusing the airstream, but also limit the amount of air you're putting into the instrument in order to avoid jumping up an octave.

[kate]

thanks very much for your replies, I will certainly take your advice!

I purchased the flute second hand, its a Yamaha YFL 21S, it has been well cared for by a talented flautist, thats about all I know of its history.

The notes that I can play have a lovely tone. I will persevere with the low notes and maybe get the flute checked by a tech..

thanks again