How Does a Non-Flutist Band Director Get the Flutes in Tune?

I’m talking to you Band Directors today because I know that in band, you want the flutes to play in tune!

Let me tell you what you already know: it’s all about the embouchure.

Intonation is All About Embouchure

Almost all flutes that come to me that have never taken private lessons, or only group lessons at school, play with their embouchure way too tight and their lip plate smashed against their lip.

Take a look at the students who are sitting in band. Some might practice and some might not, but all can fix their embouchure. So, there is at least a chance for them to play more closely in tune.

There are some simple things that can be done to the embouchure to get a student to be on the right path toward playing in tune.

Look First at the Corners of Their Mouth

Are they pulled back? Generally, though not every time, the corners are pulled too tightly and most of the time that means a flat tone. Relax the corners. The embouchure should have a natural look.

Next is to open the teeth. I have never had a student who didn’t need to be told to open the teeth. The tight embouchure inhibits opening the teeth. So, by loosening the embouchure you allow the teeth to separate. Along with the teeth is opening the lips. Keep space between the teeth and lips. By opening more the sound can be released and allowed to come out.

Open Up Your Teeth

Lip Pressure

My problem in high school was being flat all the time. My head joint was pushed all the way in but it still wouldn’t bring the pitch up enough. I just played flat. It was much into my life as college student that I discovered that the pressure of my lip plate to my lip was the cause. Try it, you can hear that pushing your lip plate against your lip lowers the tone. It’s quite eye opening.

Try these things with your students. By correcting these simple aspects of the embouchure you will hear the difference in your flutes, and you will hear the difference in your band! If you’re a flutist – do this! It is a great journey of discovery.

Have Fun!

DoctorFlute

Watch me demonstrate this: FluteTips 59 How Does a Non-Flutist Band Director Get the Flutes in Tune