i have been playing the flute for a good few years..and recently i have been told by many people(including fleadh judges) to hold my flute parallel to the ground while playing!i know it looks better but i find i get too dizzy and my hands get sore when i do it?any advice?like,is the tone any better?
I believe that keeping you're head and neck straight is a very important posture to adapt to. It may make you dizzy and make your fingers sore but you can rest assured that it will soon fade away with more practice. I don't really know how the different postures affect tones etc but, if you're current posture works and doesn't affect you're tone (or pose any long term threaths), then I would say not to worry about it.
As long as the air goes in the hole, the flute will work. Do you keep the flute perpendicular to your head? Do you keep your head upright yet tilt the flute? As long as your embouchure is not compromised, it doesn't matter (unless, of course, you are competing, and then it probably will matter.)
I think you should find the angle that works best for you.
I would not want to be dogmatic, but I think it is more than just embouchure. Playing the flute involves breathing, and doing so with control and consistency. There is a lot to be said for not slouching.
A teacher I had years ago (classical) told me to hold it so that the far end was pointing down, with your head tilted so, at about 30 degrees. Kind of like how you'd hold a sax or other woodwind yoke. Makes sense in terms of fingering. However, most trad players I see these days hold it parallel or even with the far end pointing slightly up!
As Greg says, whatever works best for you.
Don't get in the habit of ''resting'' the flute on your shoulder. I do see this in some older players, and they have the licks to get away with it, but it really constricts your airflow. I learned concert (classical) flute first, and had it drummed into me something fierce...but...nonetheless, in classes I have taken at summer schools in ITM, I would have to say that they still emphasize upright posture and to try to have the flute away from yer neck and shoulder at least.
I am not sure the ''up'' or ''down'' matters as much as open lungs and consistent airflow.
what do you think is better?up or down?
what do you think is better?up or down?
i have been playing the flute for a good few years..and recently i have been told by many people(including fleadh judges) to hold my flute parallel to the ground while playing!i know it looks better but i find i get too dizzy and my hands get sore when i do it?any advice?like,is the tone any better?
# Posted on July 17th 2007 by reeraw!
Re: what do you think is better?up or down?
I believe that keeping you're head and neck straight is a very important posture to adapt to. It may make you dizzy and make your fingers sore but you can rest assured that it will soon fade away with more practice. I don't really know how the different postures affect tones etc but, if you're current posture works and doesn't affect you're tone (or pose any long term threaths), then I would say not to worry about it.
# Posted on July 17th 2007 by 52Paddy
Re: what do you think is better?up or down?
As long as the air goes in the hole, the flute will work. Do you keep the flute perpendicular to your head? Do you keep your head upright yet tilt the flute? As long as your embouchure is not compromised, it doesn't matter (unless, of course, you are competing, and then it probably will matter.)
I think you should find the angle that works best for you.
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: what do you think is better?up or down?
I would not want to be dogmatic, but I think it is more than just embouchure. Playing the flute involves breathing, and doing so with control and consistency. There is a lot to be said for not slouching.
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by Alex Wilding
Re: what do you think is better?up or down?
A teacher I had years ago (classical) told me to hold it so that the far end was pointing down, with your head tilted so, at about 30 degrees. Kind of like how you'd hold a sax or other woodwind yoke. Makes sense in terms of fingering. However, most trad players I see these days hold it parallel or even with the far end pointing slightly up!
As Greg says, whatever works best for you.
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by Rudall the time
Re: what do you think is better?up or down?
If you really want to impress the judges in a competition, hold it how they say. Otherwise, hold it in the most comfortable position.
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by MarcoTam
Re: what do you think is better?up or down?
okay!thanks guys!..mabe i should just practice playing without my head tilted for a while and see how i get on!
..
reeraw!
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by reeraw!
Re: what do you think is better?up or down?
Don't get in the habit of ''resting'' the flute on your shoulder. I do see this in some older players, and they have the licks to get away with it, but it really constricts your airflow. I learned concert (classical) flute first, and had it drummed into me something fierce...but...nonetheless, in classes I have taken at summer schools in ITM, I would have to say that they still emphasize upright posture and to try to have the flute away from yer neck and shoulder at least.
I am not sure the ''up'' or ''down'' matters as much as open lungs and consistent airflow.
# Posted on July 19th 2007 by yekdeli