Buzz
The flute is a wind instrument that plays the highest notes in an orchestra. While it may seem daunting at first due to its numerous keys, you can easily begin learning how to play. Once you assemble the instrument and know how to position your mouth, all you need to do is press the keys to change the notes. With a bit of daily practice, you’ll soon be playing the flute beautifully!
Steps
Assemble the flute
Purchase or rent a flute from a music store. Ask the store staff which type of flute is best for beginners. If you want to own one, consider buying it. Otherwise, you can inquire if the store offers flute rentals for when you need one.
- You can buy a beginner’s flute for about $50 (1.3 million VND), though the quality may not be top-notch.
- Many stores offer installment payment plans, allowing you to pay over time to own the flute.
Tip: If you're still in school, check if your school offers instrument rentals during your studies. If they do, you can play in the school's band without having to purchase your own instrument.
Assemble the headjoint and the body of the flute. The headjoint is the part with the mouthpiece and embouchure hole. Remove both the headjoint and body of the flute from the case. Attach the headjoint to the body by aligning and twisting it into place. Ensure the headjoint is securely fitted to the body of the flute.
- Avoid holding the rods and keys on the body of the flute while assembling, as they are delicate and may get damaged.
Align the mouthpiece with the first key of the flute body. Locate the first key on the body of the flute and rotate the headjoint so the mouthpiece lines up with it. Hold the flute up to eye level and look down at the body of the flute to confirm the mouthpiece is properly aligned.
- If the mouthpiece is too far forward or backward, it will be difficult to play in tune.
Insert the footjoint into the body of the flute and align the metal pin with the keys. The footjoint is the final part of the flute, containing a few rods and keys. Push the footjoint into the end of the flute body and twist it to secure it. Make sure it is firmly in place and the metal pin aligns with the last key on the body of the flute.
Tune the flute by adjusting the headjoint. Use a tuning device or download a tuning app on your phone. Play a note and listen to see if the sound is flat or sharp, indicating it’s too low or too high. If the sound is sharp, pull the headjoint out slightly. If the sound is flat, push the headjoint in deeper to shorten the flute. Adjust until the sound is perfectly tuned.
Hold the flute
Control the keys near the headjoint with your left hand. Locate the first key on the underside of the flute body and place your thumb on it with your palm facing inward. Curve your remaining fingers around the opposite side of the flute. Position your index, middle, and ring fingers on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th keys respectively. Place your pinky on the key next to the flute body.
- Use the hollow between your thumb and index finger to support the weight of the flute.
Use your right hand to control the keys at the foot of the flute. Your thumb should support the bottom of the flute. Keep your palm facing outward to comfortably press the keys. Locate the 3 keys at the end of the flute and place your index, middle, and ring fingers on each key. Your right pinky should press the first key on the footjoint.
- Curve your fingers so that your hand forms a 'C' shape when holding the flute.
- Don't press the keys down immediately. You will only rest your fingers on top of the keys.
Tip: Your fingers should not move to other keys while playing the flute. Never switch your fingers to different keys; otherwise, your finger placements will be out of tune.
Hold the flute parallel to the floor. The foot of the flute should be slightly tilted downward. Sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight and eyes facing forward. Relax your arms and extend them away from your body while lifting the flute to your mouth. Ensure the body of the flute is parallel to the ground, rather than pointing downward.
- If you plan to play standing, place your feet shoulder-width apart and stand firmly on the ground.
Play the basic notes
Place the embouchure hole under and in the center of your lower lip. While holding the flute parallel to the floor, position the flute’s embouchure hole beneath your lower lip. Balance the flute securely between your chin and lower lip. Be sure to align the embouchure hole directly in the center of your lip for the best sound production.
- If the embouchure hole is misaligned, you won't produce a full sound when playing the flute.
Seal the corners of your mouth but keep your lips soft and relaxed. Tighten the muscles at the corners of your mouth, but not so much that your lips pucker or clench. Imagine you are saying the letter “M” to help adjust your lip placement correctly.
Tip: You can practice lip placement using only the headjoint if you don't want to hold the entire flute just yet.
Blow air from the center of your lips toward the flute’s embouchure hole. Slightly part your lips as though you are about to say the letter “P” to blow into the flute. Exhale deeply and direct the air stream toward the embouchure hole to start playing. The air will travel through the body of the flute, producing the notes.
- Don’t open your mouth too wide, as the air may not flow into the flute properly.
- If no sound is produced, try adjusting your jaw slightly forward or backward to redirect the airflow.
Push your tongue forward and back to create short notes. While playing the flute, move your tongue as if you're saying the word 'tu'. This will separate the notes you play instead of making them blend together. Alternate between quick and slow tongue movements to transition from fast, short notes to longer, distinct ones.
- This technique is called 'staccato' (bouncy sound).
Adjust the speed of your breath to control the pitch of the note. Take a deep breath and blow slowly into the flute to play low notes. In your next breath, tighten the corners of your mouth slightly and blow faster to create a higher note. Practice alternating between high and low notes to improve your range while playing.
- Remember to keep your lips soft and not puckered. Otherwise, you might not be able to reach all the notes.
- When playing high notes, try to direct the airflow upward.
Refer to fingering charts to learn how to play different notes. Fingering charts can help you learn to play all the notes in a scale. Find a chart for your type of flute to know which keys to press for each note. Practice each fingering until you can easily change notes while playing.
- Many flute method books include fingering charts for easy reference.
Tip: Print out a fingering chart and keep it on your music stand when you begin practicing the flute.
Tip
- Wipe your flute after each use.
- Consider finding a private teacher to improve your posture and playing technique.
- Try to practice for 20-30 minutes every day to continue developing your skills.
- Look for sheet music specifically for the flute to play particular pieces.
- Always store your flute in its case when not in use to prevent damage.
- Remember to 'warm up' your flute with a few notes before playing, rehearsing, or practicing, etc...
