by Dr. Angela McBrearty | Oct 5, 2024 | FluteTips, Performing, Practice, Repertoire, Vibrato
Do you plan the very first note of your solo performance? What you do with that first note is crucial. It sets the tone for the whole piece, literally and figuratively. Start with the Sound You Want Your goal is to have the first note come out with a fabulous tone,...
by Dr. Angela McBrearty | Jan 13, 2024 | Embouchure, FluteTips, Tone
You might be confused to read that a tight embouchure is not a problem, because you know, or at least you have heard that a tight embouchure is a problem. It is true that you do not ever want to play flute with a tight embouchure. It will give you a tight sound and it...
by Dr. Angela McBrearty | Dec 30, 2023 | FluteTips, High Register
Have you ever played in band or orchestra, or played on a flute solo where you were aiming for some third octave note, high B, or B flat, and when you got there, you totally missed it? Maybe it cracked or didn’t come out properly. You moved on because probably...
by Dr. Angela McBrearty | Dec 2, 2023 | FluteTips, Intonation, Teachers
Have you ever really thought about your arms when playing flute? What do your arms do? Some people let their arms hang, some bring the left elbow up some look like their arms are barely holding the flute up and some keep them rigidly out marching band style. Did you...
by Dr. Angela McBrearty | Nov 4, 2023 | Breathing, FluteTips, Support, Tonguing
How is your articulation? Do you feel that your tonguing is precise and clear? Or do you sometimes have articulated notes that are unfocused and airy? There are differing ideas on tongue placement, and I think they can all be used for various reasons. But I want to...
by Dr. Angela McBrearty | Sep 9, 2023 | Breathing, FluteTips, Support, Tone
Do you resonate your tone? What does that really mean? When we think about our flute sound resonating, we are talking making a tone that is vibrant and alive. When you use resonation to improve your tone, you will be surprised at how much you like it! A tone that...
