I recently attended the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention in Reston, VA. While in the exhibit hall I made an interesting observation.
The flute that I thought had my name all over it – was not the flute for me!
We flutists get the itch every so often to change up our flute sound by changing up our flutes to a new maker, or design, or mixture of metals. When at the various conventions you can go around, using those nice alcohol wipes, and try every new flute that is being made today. What Fun! You can even try flutes from yesteryear, as there are often plenty of used flutes being sold as well.
There is one particular flute that I have tried at a couple conventions. Until now I thought that when I have the disposable income, this is the flute for me. But lo and behold, when I tried it this weekend it did nothing for me.
Now, I am aware that two otherwise identical handmade flutes can sound very different from each other. Plus, it’s always possible that this particular one is not THE ONE, but another one like it might be. However, as I’ve tried this particular flute at a couple of conventions, with it’s particular combination of metals (mixture of gold and silver), and it has always been THE flute, I am not inclined to think another handmade flute similar in specs might turn out the be THE ONE that’s going to make me happy.
Something else has changed.
The flute hasn’t changed. It’s me. I’ve changed.
This is a good thing.
Last year I decided that I wanted to change my sound. I really wanted to work on my tone, without getting a new headjoint or flute. It wasn’t in the budget anyway. But that’s besides the point.
And I have been intentional!
Determined.
Proactive.
I have worked on many sound exercises, listening carefully and following my 5 Techniques to Improve Your Tone. This became the genesis of my presentation at the Mid-Atlantic flute convention, and a new course: Flute Masterclass: 5 Methods to Improve Your Tone Today.
It’s important to note that I had in my mind the concept of the sound I was working toward. That is, I knew what I wanted in my sound. So, when I worked on each of the exercises, I kept in mind that sound that I wanted.
And it worked!
After a period of time of focusing on my goal, I knew that I had achieved the sound that I desired. However, a big surprise came when I picked up that new flute, you know, the one that I thought was THE ONE. When I played this ideal-perfect-gotta-have-it-flute it didn’t do anything for me!
OH THE HORROR!
I had changed my sound from the last time I played it. I was no longer sounding the same. Thus, the flute that I thought I loved, didn’t change me for the better. It was eye opening, and encouraging, yet sad all at the same time.
Eye opening and encouraging because my sound change wasn’t just in my mind.
Sad because the goal-flute wasn’t the goal-flute anymore.
It’s always a good time to work on improving your tone. You are never too old to change and learn and grow.
If you have a concept of the sound that you want to achieve, then you can work toward that and with persistence, perhaps you can achieve it.
Your embouchure is not set in stone. You can change it, modify it, improve it – to get a better tone.
It is not about the flute that you want.
It’s more about the sound you want from the flute you own.
But, don’t get me wrong, you should try out new flutes whenever you have the chance. It’s so much fun!
So, come to NFA in August, try out some new flutes… and hear me perform on my old baby!
Have fun!
Doctor Flute
P.S. Have no fear. I did find a new GOAL-FLUTE that took my new sound to new heights!
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