The most helpful thing I've learned about flute playing is..

[Loren]

Reading another thread, and thinking about how much I need to improve my own playing, made the question pop into my head: If you were to spend a few moments really thinking about it, what would you say are the one or two most helpful things you've learned about playing the flute, the things that lead to your biggest "A-Ha's!" and greatest improvements?

Loren

[BillChin]

I'm relatively new to the flute (six months), after many, many years on the whistle. The best tip I read here is to bring the flute to your mouth, instead of leaning forward when getting ready to play. Biggest improvements, has to be due to steady practice, preferably every day, and not to get too discouraged at the perceived lack of progress. Mirror work seems to help a bit. So far no silver bullets--I am putting in some time and know that in the end that is what helps the most.

[Lambchop]

Blow down in the hole, not across it (from Terry McGee).

[David Levine]

Good advice: Don't waste time on flute lists. Play instead.
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The best advice I ever got was to love to play.

[skh]

Really breathe out, blow, don't whisper.

(And of course:)

[Berti66]

what did most for me till now and what I recently found out (now 10 months playing intensively) is to be aware how I hold my lips relative to the sound I get.
and not to do too much with your lips is needed to get that sound.
that relaxing on the flute is much more important thanI thought.

berti

[Unseen122]

Listen to the Pros. That is how I devoloped my tone by trying to imitate the sound but the style that is mine.

[Loren]

Good advice: Don't waste time on flute lists. Play instead.
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The best advice I ever got was to love to play.

Indeed, best I sign off the forum again for another year or two!

Loren

[Jack Bradshaw]

David's right on again...as usual !

One little trick to pass on.....when playing with a flute recording, (or a whistle recording tuned down an octave with the slow downer) if I can't hear the flute I know I'm exactly on pitch........an unaccumpanied flute (or whistle) works best. Good way to (try and) hit those accidentals on a keyless flute.

Now back to practice...........

[peeplj]

This isn't specific to flute playing, but I learned a lot about playing reels the first time I played with a box player--and this guy is a particularly good player, as well. Watching his hands and how they related to the flow of the music was an "aha!" moment for me.

--James

[David Levine]

Since you guys were all so nice and didn't flame me for being such a smart-ass, I will tell you a great trick (actually two) that Patrick Olwell told me a while ago.
Play in the upoper octave. But instead of leaning into the flute, play as quietly as you can. Get up to the high A and high B and see how quietly you can play rather than how loud you can be. This will require great muscle control of your embouchure and your breathing, making it possible -- eventually -- for you to play with great volume and authority in both octaves. Patrick told me of several flute-players who could not play quietly in the upper octave.
The second tip is to get a small flute or fife. To play a fife well requires great muscle control agtain, of the lips and the diaphragm. Even a small bamboo flute/fife pitched in they key of G or A will improve your tone and make you a better flute player.
And read the interviews on Brad Hurley's site and take them all seriously-- especially when Eamonn Cotter talks about ornamentation.

[Jack Bradshaw]

Yup !

(Sweetheart "d" and playing a Tipple Bb as we squeek)

[Whistlin'Dixie]

Actually, David, I was going to post "your" tip, since you're the one who told it to me in the first place. Helpful indeed.

I don't know about those high pitch flutes, though.
Too shrill next to the ear.

Just say "No"

M

also, another David-ism. To warm up, begin by playing softly. Don't push the volume until you have warmed up a bit. That has helped me very much with my Hammy. Every time I take that flute out, I am impressed all over again.

[peeplj]

By the way, Loren, it's great that you're back!

--James

[David Levine]

Thanks Mary,
I too love my Hammy(s). Although I do find it more challenging to play than Olwell/Murray/Grinter flutes, I feel that the Hammy makes me a better player with a more focused embouchure.
And... I am selling an older keyless Hammy (I am keeping my five key). It is about 6-7 years old and is well played in, by David Powell's first teacher. David Powell is an all-Ireland piper.
The flute is in overall good condition though the end cap shows some dings and there is a slight crack (repaired) in the barrel. The crack repair is well done. It's a good flute.
The price is $520, including insured postage. There is no case although it would fit in a modern cycolac flute case-- if I find one I'll send it along.