I am still recovering from a badly botched audition that I took for a local orchestra. I thought I was relatively well prepared, though I hadn’t practiced that much. I admit, I was relying on previous experience and practice to get me through, but I was still shocked at what happened. It was like aliensContinue reading “Tanked Audition”
Tag Archives: practicing the flute
Intonation is Relative
I am constantly surprised at how differently I approach intonation practice than so many other people. I was in a flute choir rehearsal last week and the director was working on a passage where the intonation was not working. She was working on just 3 notes that a section had to play, D3-F3-D3. They gotContinue reading “Intonation is Relative”
Looking for a Pitch Tendency Chart?
I’ve noticed that one of the most popular pages on this blog is the page on creating a pitch tendency chart. I have a feeling that what people are really looking for is a chart that will tell them what the pitch tendencies of the flute are, so I thought I would explain why IContinue reading “Looking for a Pitch Tendency Chart?”
A Flutist’s Education is Never Finished
As I was practicing my daily dose of Moyse exercises (I’m on Day 13 now, more ABCD), I experienced a tremendous feeling of gratitude for the kind of flute education that I have received. While I feel that I have learned many things on my own, and that students (myself included) are largely responsible forContinue reading “A Flutist’s Education is Never Finished”
Sir James’ Scale Challenge
Have you heard about Sir James Galway’s scale practicing challenge? It has been the buzz of his forum for weeks. He has challenged all flutists who are willing to put some serious work in to go through Moyse’s Daily Exercises method book with him. He has pledged to do the practice routine prescribed in theContinue reading “Sir James’ Scale Challenge”
It’s hot in here!
My air conditioner is on the fritz, it is about ninety degrees in here, and now that it has rained, the humidity is close to one hundred percent. The air is so heavy that it feels like I am trying to breathe underwater. The lip plate slides all over my chin as I struggle toContinue reading “It’s hot in here!”
Cats and Flutes
I’ve noticed that many flute people are also cat people. I have always had cats and I seem to know more flute people with cats than with dogs. Maybe this is just my experience, but I wonder if there is something to it. Cats do seem to make good musical companions because they are usuallyContinue reading “Cats and Flutes”
Flute Practice and Technology
There has been a little controversy raging on Flute List lately regarding approaches to flute technique, specifically tone production and intonation. Some contributors are very scientific in their approach and others are not, and I think the science-oriented people got a little offended by some comments that may have made it sound like they wereContinue reading “Flute Practice and Technology”
Who Has Time to Practice?
Well, not too long ago I wrote about not making excuses for being too busy to post or practice, but what have I done now? Besides my 9-5, I’ve taken on a contract editing job that will keep me incredibly for the next month. Ah, the things we do for a little extra money! SoContinue reading “Who Has Time to Practice?”
A Different Flute Breathing Exercise
Lately I’ve been working on a new breathing exercise that has made a big difference for me. The goal is to learn to breathe in quickly and quietly so you can take a breath whenever you need it instead of whenever it’s convenient. While this idea is not new to me (Alex Murray advocates takingContinue reading “A Different Flute Breathing Exercise”