Basics of Flute Playing
Here are tried and tested strategies to help yourself in learning to play the flute:
1. Buying the Right Flute
Every basic tip involving any musical instrument involves needing the right flute. To do so, one must purchase his own instrument. As such, there is no need to shell more than the required dollars just to buy your desired flute. Even a flute that is not first class does wonders. There are a lot of online and offline portals where the flute is readily available.
A brand new flute that serves its purpose well usually costs just above 220 USD. One may look for options online, but it is better to purchase in local stores if possible, because they may give discounts sometimes.
2. Assembly of the Instrument
Now with your own flute purchased, it’s time to assemble it. It usually comes in three distinct segments. Make sure not to disrupt the segment ends as these need to be jointed perfectly.
To connect, the ends of the segments to be jointed need to be twisted and turned, then lined up such that the holes of the flute are aligned together.
Thereafter, do a test run by trying a few blows on the flute to check if it works just fine.
3. Learn From a Mentor
One can learn playing a flute through online videos that teach the basics, as well as some technical self-help readings available in bookstores. However, to those new to this hobby, it is best to learn from music mentors to earn significant pointers.
Through proper mentorship and guidance, you can earnestly learn the basics of handling the flute, breathing, blowing, plus the applicable musical principles. With a mentor, one can answer some of the queries that you have in mind. It is recommended to immerse in a regular in-touch with a mentor on a weekly basis, while you do some of the practice sessions on your own.
4. Challenge Yourself
Challenge yourself by upping the level or ante of your practice every time. To practice, do it in regular intervals whether daily or weekly. Have the versatility to hone your craft in both easy and difficult training. Of course, it takes more than just one practice for more difficult pieces.
Also, observe a lot of patience during your training. It’s normal to feel agitated, dejected, or downtrodden at times especially when you cannot play properly a certain note. Bad days like that do happen. In time, you will do it perfectly.
5. Flute Drills
Doing flute drills usually involve the most important asset – the mouth. For starters, you may do the following:
- Pouting the lower lip
- Twitching the upper lip
- Any improvised exercise
Alternatively, you can utilize your tongue instead of the whole mouth to begin playing. Practicing mouth rhythms and short tongue twisters also help your abilities.
6. Learn the Musical Principles
Equally vital to the practical application of music are the underlying general principles. Gaining an ability to decipher musical information will help you interpret any musical piece available.
It helps to learn by heart your favorite musical pieces, which will help you attain the propensity to play the flute by heart. Learn them as early as possible. Once you do, it will help you master the craft much easier and enjoyable.
7. Perform In Front of People
Slowly gain the confidence to play the flute while making people close to you listen while you perform. The size of the audience does not matter, for as long as you have garnered the confidence to play with people looking at you.
Nervousness can certainly play its part at first, but you can always instill that you are still learning how to play. Alway remember to smile as it dissipates the nervousness that you feel.
If you are interested to know more, check my article on finding your first flute
8. Observe Cleanliness
After playing the instrument, observe its cleanliness, especially on the inside parts. You may disassemble it to thoroughly clean the inside.
As for the external area, you may clean it with a normal cloth. After cleaning, observe its proper safekeeping to ensure a secure storage of the instrument.
9. Have Fun
Best of all, have fun while playing. You need to relish a lot of time involved with your flute while applying something new and gaining yourself a to-do task. In time, you can join a hobby group or even a band. Feel free to be open to them that you are still on the way to become a flute expert. Truly, playing a flute is certainly something that you can enjoy.