How to Improve your Flute Playing

Mastering any instrument is a difficult task, but can also be rewarding. Here are a few tips to help you become the flutist you have always wanted to be.

1. Sit up straight- Yes your mother has been yelling at you for years to do this, but of course you ignored her. But it actually can help when playing the flute. When you sit up straight or even stand you are allowing your lungs to fully inflate and then you will be able to take fewer breaths. The more air you have inside your lungs the more notes you can play with each breath.

2. Hold the flute correctly- If you hold your flute at the correct angle and height you will see your tone is much better. Hold the flute about 20 degrees below parallel.

3. Balancing the flute- Along with holding the flute at the proper angle you also need to hold the flute in the correct manner so it is almost floating in the air. The lip plate should rest between your lips and you chin. Your left hand is closer to your mouth and the flute should rest on the lower knuckle of you left pointer finger. The right hand should hold it with the right thumb and pinky finger.

4. Breathing- The proper way to breathe is from your belly and not your stomach. If you are fully inhaling then you will be able to properly play the music.

5. Shape of your lips- If the hole you are blowing air out of is smaller the air will be more direct into the flute and will create a better tone.