The Flute Show - flute expert

The Flute Show - Meet the advanced flute expert

Got questions about the flute? Post your questions, get your answers

Florence Estrin shares her flute expertise with our audience.

Released on June 29, 2015

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DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.
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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Diana Irving * VSM MEMBER * on September 26, 2021 @10:01 am PST
Hi, Florence--I have played flute many years, also play some piccolo. I have founded a woodwind ensemble in my community, and am seriously considering purchasing an alto flute, as there are many pieces that have parts for it. Could you please assist me by perhaps pointing out specific techniques I should be aware that I should develop, as well as guidance on what to look for in purchasing such an instrument for myself? Thanks so much!
Susanne on February 1, 2018 @11:35 am PST
Please can you tell me the name and composer of the music you play at the end of your videos? I’ve recently taken up playing again 35 years after my instrument and music were stolen and I couldn’t afford to replace them at the time. That music was my favourite, but I can’t remember what it is. I would be delighted to find out. Many thanks.
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Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator and CEO, on February 1, 2018 @11:51 am PST
Dear Susanne, I'll try to reply to you for Florence.

It is the Sicilienne by Faure' for flute and piano, Op. 78:

https://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/SicilienneFlPf.html

Lovely piece indeed!

Please, let me know if you have any further questions.

All the best,
Susanne on February 1, 2018 @12:33 pm PST
Dear Fabrizio,
Thank you very much indeed. I shall definitely be getting back to this piece soon. I really loved it in the 70s and still do.
I enjoy the video tutorials. They are good memory joggers for returners like me.
Susanne from England age 56 1/2.
Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator and CEO, on February 1, 2018 @1:12 pm PST
You are most than welcome Susanne!

I am so glad to know you enjoy these tutorials, hopefully we'll have more for flute soon.

Please, feel always free to contact me with any questions or ideas you may have, I will be glad to hear from you.

Thank you again, and keep it up!
Irwin on June 17, 2017 @10:46 am PST
Hi, I've been playing flute for 2 years and have difficulty with how much pressure against the chin vs. pushing the flute away. I really enjoy your flute videos on youtube.
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Florence Estrin - host, on August 3, 2017 @11:36 am PST
There really isn't any pressure involved or pushing the flute away. Just make sure the flute isn't going to slide or roll off your face.
Karlon on March 16, 2017 @11:20 am PST
Hi Florence, Two questions please: 1. I just saw a presentation on embouchure. I play on and Pearl forte headjoint but I also have a Trevor James Oxley headjoint. I like to practice on both flutes. Will switching back and forth mess-up my embochure? I'm really working on my sound quality and sometimes I sound better on one than the other (ugh!!) 2. My Pearl is a 10K med wall that the TJ is a heavy wall does that create problems practicing from one to the other? Thanks. I look forward to your response.
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Florence Estrin - host, on March 23, 2017 @5:09 pm PST
You may find it confusing switching back and forth. I used to switch from my Powell to my Haynes when the Powell was in the shop but I used the same head joint on both. I would suggest you decide which head joint you prefer and if you need to switch flutes hopefully your preferred head joint fits the other flute. If it is slightly loose you can use some silver tape (you can find this at an art supply store) to help fit it. If it is too big you are out of luck. However, if the only time you are playing your 2nd favorite flute is when the other one is being repaired I think you should progress well.
Karlon on March 24, 2017 @6:42 am PST
Thank you so much. I think that really clears up the issue and as well, helps me make some decisions!
jase nick on March 6, 2017 @5:23 pm PST
Dear Ms. Florence...
What's the correct embouchure for Low C? I just learned how to play flute, and it is so hard to maintain good and loud low keys... is that possible??
and, my dream is to become a great flutist just like you, so how much practice time that I need everyday to become someone as professional as you😀
And why you never posted a video again... your videos are very nice and instructable☺😀
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Florence Estrin - host, on March 23, 2017 @4:59 pm PST
Check out my video "How to develop security on the low register of the flute". Also, if your flute is leaking (the pads are not sealing properly) the low register suffers the most. As far as practicing, the most important thing is consistency. Practice EVERY day. Practice efficiently-it is not the sheer hours you put into it , it is the quality of your practice time.
Esther on September 15, 2016 @6:53 pm PST
Thankyou so much for all your educational videos!

No matter how hard I try, I can't accomplish a good sound above high D....any tips? Is it possible that the high notes just won't work on my student flute?
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Florence on September 18, 2016 @1:22 pm PST
Check your cork position! Please reference how to do that from my previous reply below. Two videos that may benefit you are "How to change octaves on the flute" and "How to play loud and Soft."
Marian on April 20, 2016 @3:48 am PST
Florence, really appreciate the instructional videos you post with your husband The Flute Show. They are so useful and interesting. I am really struggling with my embouchure eg adjusting my lips out like a kiss for the high register and a wider, less "stuck out" for the lower register. However, it seems to make no difference when I adjust my lips. C# is still sharp and the low register is flat. What can I do to exercise these movements (are you a fan of buzzing?) or otherwise to develop my lip muscles so these embouchure adjustments make a difference? Thank you!
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Florence on September 18, 2016 @1:17 pm PST
Check your cork position. You do this by taking the head joint and putting your cleaning rod in it. The line on the cleaning rod should be centered in the embouchure hole. If it is not, the intonation can be terrible. If it needs to come in more, loosen the crown of the flute and then push it till the line is centered. If it needs to go the other way you can push it with the cleaning rod. As far as your low register being flat, this is the situation on older flutes before the adjusted scale came about in the 70s. First Powell produced the "Cooper" scale design and then eventually most if not all flute makers adopted aspects of it. However, it is totally possible to play in tune on these older models. You may want to watch my video "How to play loud and soft." Make sure you are not dropping your face down when playing in the low register. Also, make sure you do not roll the flute towards you. Spread your lips for playing loud and bring them forward from the sides of your mouth to play softly.
Middle C# is the sharpest note on the flute. You must adjust by aiming your air far down into the embouchure hole- but do it without rolling in! Open your throat. Be careful not to overblow. Practice long tones every day to develop your lip muscles as described in my "How to play loud and soft" video.
James on March 25, 2016 @2:46 am PST
Hey I have this problem where when i double tongue the lower notes like D and Eb the sound dosent come out enough and too soft, it's it because of my tonguing?
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Florence on September 17, 2016 @4:47 pm PST
Double tonguing in the low register requires that you keep your tongue further back in your mouth. Try using Duh Guh instead of Ti Ki or Tu Ku.
Tehillah * VSM MEMBER * on March 7, 2016 @1:45 pm PST
Hi, Florence:

I've started playing daily again after a few years of sporadic playing and notice that my throat gets little hoarse after playing for an hour or so. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance!
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Robert * VSM MEMBER * on March 9, 2016 @1:02 pm PST
I have never experienced that problem or witnessed it with any of my students. I would encourage you to talk with your doctor.
Tehillah * VSM MEMBER * on March 11, 2016 @1:56 pm PST
Robert, I was referring to flute playing, not piano. I directed question to Florence that's why I didn't specify "flute." I apologize for confusion.
Raul Tellez Rangel on September 26, 2015 @5:54 pm PST
My flute won't play D,E,F and G and I want to yous it in a wedding in 3 months.
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Florence - host, on September 28, 2015 @12:00 pm PST
It seems it is time to visit your flute repairman! It could just be a problem with the g key because if that is out of adjustment it would also affect the notes below g. However, if you have had the flute in the closet for a while it is possible you could have more serious issues.
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