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Erin Spencer's latest flute videos 
In this video, Erin guides you in purchasing an alto flute. Released on December 1, 2021 
In this video, Erin gives you three important tips to get the most out of your piccolo. Released on September 1, 2021 
Improve your flute playing with "Sing and Play"
How can "singing while playing" improve your tone playing? In this video, Erin teaches you how to improve your flute tone with a technique called "sing-and-play." Released on June 2, 2021 About Erin Spencer
 Colorado flutist Erin Spencer is an educator, performer, and arranger based out of Colorado Springs. She owns and operates Spencer Music Studio and enjoys coaching future generations of musicians at Mitchell High School and Parker Performing Arts. Mrs. Spencer performs with the Pikes Peak Flute Choir. Erin actively arranges music to be performed by her students and flute choirs around the country featuring music from video games, movies, and Broadway musicals. Erin earned her Master of Music Degree in Flute Performance and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri where she studied with Alice Dade. During her time at the university, she premiered dozens of new works as flutist of the New Music Ensemble, as well as performing as principal of the elite ensembles at Mizzou: the University Wind Ensemble and the University Philharmonic. Erin also performed with the Missouri Symphony, the 9th Street Philharmonic Orchestra, and as principal of the Columbia Civic Orchestra. Erin displays her versatility and breadth of skill by performing in musicals and recording videos for her YouTube channel. She especially enjoys the collaborative aspect of participating in the pit orchestras for musicals. Past performances include The Little Mermaid, Oliver!, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, and Little Women. Erin's most popular flute choir arrangements can be found on her YouTube channel and select arrangements are published on Sheet Music Plus, including the Tetris Theme. Visit Erin Spencer website Do you have a question for Erin? 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.
Questions, Comments, Requests: Diana Irving * VSM MEMBER * on August 3, 2022 @8:17 am PST
Hi, Erin--I appreciate so much of the information you have shared on this site. I have been playing my new alto flute with my ensemble (going back and forth between C flute and Alto flute). My request today has to do with wondering what tips there might be when one is playing different flutes in a set/program, dealing with embrochure issues, breath support...what to keep in mind and best ways to warm up or rest between an instrument switch. We have worked out some of this issue by putting any "all (c) flute" pieces together and switching to the other flute (or in the case of my colleagues, they may be playing clarinet or oboe or piccolo or saxophone). We usually play regular flute stuff early in program, then switch. Oboe player needs a few minutes to rest and prepare reeds; clarinet player does okay going from flute to clarinet, sometimes back again to flute...i find that some mysterious thing happens to my embouchure when I switch back from alto to C flute mostly. Any tips would be appreciated. Also if you have comments about switching to piccolo and back to c flute or vice versa. Thanks for any helpful thoughts or ideas :-)
 Erin Spencer - host, on August 6, 2022 @8:48 pm PST
Hi Diana, Switching instruments is definitely tricky at the beginning! I had one concert where I was playing all contrabass flute, but one song on piccolo. That was quite the change. The best way to improve at something like this is to do it more often. So practice switching and see how long it takes for you to feel good on the second instrument and the more often you do it, you will find that you adjust more quickly.
The other thing I do often between instruments is kind of shake out my lips, like if you're trying to imitate a horse's nicker, get more blood flow going through there and relax my lips as much as possible. If you're specifically having trouble from alto to flute, I wonder if you're putting the flute lower on your face when you come back to it. Alto needs to be lower on your face and you may unconsciously be imitating that feeling on C flute. Good luck! Diana Irving * VSM MEMBER * on August 7, 2022 @12:05 pm PST
Thanks so much for your helpful comments! I think it has been getting a little easier to switch back and forth between usually the flute and alto flute. I do make a conscious effort to look at my fingers and head joint and tell myself which one I'm about to play before I do, etc. and that helps some...I have a bit more confidence now that I should be able to get better at the transitions the more I do it. Thanks again! Diana
Diana Irving * VSM MEMBER * on October 20, 2021 @9:28 am PST
Hi Erin--Thanks for your tips on piccolo intonation/tone. My question today is about alto flutes. I started a flute/woodwind ensemble in my community and see that there are lots of arrangements that include alto flute and I'm very interested in purchasing one. Could you give me some tips on what to look for and ways of adjusting my playing to get the best tone quality. I have played flute over 50 yrs and piccolo for about 10 yrs. Thanks Dians
Erin Spencer - host, on October 20, 2021 @11:30 am PST
Hi Diana! Good timing because I bought an alto this Spring and I'm already planning on making a video about it! Keep your eye out for an alto video in the beginning of November. In the meantime I'd recommend getting some on trial from somewhere like Flutistry Boston or FCNY so you can try a few different brands.
Lynnette on July 22, 2020 @10:11 am PST
Your staccato video was great, thank you.
Can you give tips on sections that have slurred staccato? Does it make the staccato note slightly detached? Erin Spencer - host, on July 24, 2020 @12:34 pm PST
Hi Lynnette, thanks for watching! When there is a slur over a staccato marking, the technique is called "portato" which comes from string playing. On string instruments it means there's a little space between the notes but you keep the bow going in the same direction. I think of it very similarly to a tenuto marking on flute. Watching videos of string players playing portato can be very instructive on how to execute this technique.
Hope that helps! Erin Lynnette on July 24, 2020 @4:26 pm PST
That's absolutely fantastic, thank you
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