B Flat Flute Lesson # 1 - How to Blow the Flute

I decided to put these tutorials together when I received emails and comments from KZbinrs requesting something to help them play their B Flat Flute.
I don't profess to be a master at the instrument and the best way to learn is to join a band and their tutors will teach you all the fundamentals.
If these help one person learn the instrument, then I will be happy. If you would like to see a a video on how to play a specific tune, please email me and I will sort something out.
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[@Paleologos]

It WORKED !!! By George I think I've got it !!! And i've been blowing away hit and miss since handling my first flute yesterday evening. You are one ace teacher ! Thanks for sharing !

[@LeoVallo]

I got to say that before watching your lesson on how to blow the flute/fife I could barely play a note on my fife, now I can actually do something! I have still a lot of praticing to do, but that put me a significant step forward, thank you very much.

[@dwc311]

WELL! Just got a fife in the mail today. Tryed blowing it. I had absolutley no idea how to blow it. I kept blowing, had no idea how to make music with it. I was baffled. I even thought it was broke inside or something lol! So i went on youtube and found this video. Now I know how to properly blow my fife! All thanks to YOU Mr. AccordionStu Thanks alot I owe it all to you stu.

[@shadowwave5]

Thank you very much! This year I'm playing the flute.Before watching this video I was able to blow on the mouthpiece alone, but it was difficult to get the sound out when it was fully assembled.This technique helped me a lot.Thank you.

[@rosselanor]

Oh man, thank you very much :D. I've just made my first bamboo flute and just cannot figure out how to blow it (it sounded only sometimes and I didn't know what am I doing right :D). Now it sounds - I'm so happy :D.

[@m.o.tondi96]

Instantly learnt something in under a minute. Great video!

[@funwithflags7506]

Do you have any tips on how to get rid of an airy sound out of the flute if you get what I mean ? As theres times when mu mouth position will play a nice good but then input my fingers on the next hole and it doesnt sound right

[@anaamari5643]

Thanks for the video, the part in which you explained how to blow on it properly helped, I'm not learning the flute, but the fife, but the idea remained similar and helpful. Thanks for the video tutorial.

[@311girard]

im trying to play fife, but there are no tutorials online, so thank you! this helped a lot!!!

[@MSnoobiest]

I couldn't blow the flute to make sound until i watch this video!! ty so much

[@AccordionStu]

@Eightbanger It may be that you were playing a fife, which is like a flute but with no keys. You can still buy fifes and I would recommend searching for Angus Fifes on the tinternet or you can still buy 1 key flutes from DJM music supplies. But if you are thinking of learning , get yourself a five key Miller Browne, the keys will help you to play notes more clearly.

[@commonkid7862]

Cool video dude! I'm in corps of drums so this was really helpful

[@paulrock5170]

Thank you

[@ShinyArjunSingh]

wow man...made my life.. Nice one Subscribed...Keep'em comin....

[@AccordionStu]

@RFCRussell1 Hi Russell, You can get them from anything from £55 to £100. Look on the Ulster Band Forums for sellers alternatively look for DJM Music supplies on Google

[@AccordionStu]

The fingering and blowing technique for concert flutes is different. the above flute is high pitched so the blowing technique is more like dry spitting and whilst the fingering is similar, some notes are different. if you would like to purchase a Bb high pitch flute get in touch.

[@unknown__oblivion8784]

Finally starting to get some decent noise out of my wee flute still going to be some time before I’m out marching with the band but have to just keep pushing

[@AccordionStu]

Well done keep at it practice at your own pace but often.

[@unknown__oblivion8784]

accordionstu will do mate👍

[@IrethAmandil]

Thank you for posting this! The tobacco analogy helped me out a ton, I can get a decent sound now! x]

[@Prunesquallor1435]

Thanks a lot! I just bought a fife and spent 15 mins trying in vain to get a sound before watching this

[@AccordionStu]

the too thing is to help you form the correct posture from your lips and tongue, after lots of practice your mouth will take on its own embouchure with whatever works for you, its more difficult to explain on a video or text than it is in person. I would recommend getting a few lessons from a teacher if you are struggling.

[@harrypotterphile]

This really helped me with the fife! Thanks!

[@AccordionStu]

@monicamelo2296 d't do tutorials for a standard flute but youtube is full of them.

[@AccordionStu]

Iam not sure without hearing it, can you post a vid of you playing it but to be honest, make sure the pads are all in good order on the keys, if they aren't good they won't seal and you will get squeaks also if the waxed cotton barrel seal is worn away you could be drawing in air, so get some plumbers tape around it and wash the inside out with warm soap water if it is an ebonite flute and oil if it's wooden.

[@AccordionStu]

Hi Andrew, the Crossett is played exactly the same way. I have one here, the raised mouthpiece doesn't make any difference, good luck.

[@AccordionStu]

tighten your mouth and ,, yes blow harder, but when you do, try to say "Tuh" it's not really a blow, it's more of a dry spit. Another tip, is to imagine there is a small piece of confetti in the middle of your bottom lip and you need to dry spit it off whilst keeping your mouth tight. try it, it may work. If not, try removing the headjoint and see if it makes any difference, rotate it until you get it. If not email me.

[@Sandy-mx8vg]

U sir are a fucking legend

[@crcade3059]

That's a awesome flute!

[@markgaddie6290]

It's a wooden baroque flute. It might be a piccolo flute but not sure, I know for a fact it is a baroque flute due to the fact it has fewer keys and wooden.

[@AccordionStu]

+Mark Gaddie Hi Mark it's an ebonite flute, it is not baroque but I can see why you would think that. it's not a piccolo, these flutes are played by corps of drums around the world and are in High British Band Pitch, not concert pitch.

[@RFCRussell1]

roughly how much would I expect to pay for Miller Browne 5 key Bb Flute?

[@AccordionStu]

Hi, if you tell me what the problems are i will try to help. What specifically are you having difficulty with?

[@AccordionStu]

@utjmab1690marc If you spend enough time practising then it gets easier but I would say that the hardest part for learners is to be able to master the blowing technique. Once you can play each note clearly then the tunes that you already know from playing the accordion will just flood out. Good Luck and if I can help at all, just get in touch.

[@AccordionStu]

it would be useful to know what type of flute you are playing, do all the keys seal properly, is the cork in the correct position and can anyone else reach these notes on your flute. It may need some work if it has faulty pads or you may just need to tighten your embouchure a bit more. Send me a vid of you trying to play and I can advise more

[@jaywolflover]

my flute is a b flat but it doesn't sound like this, same length also

[@AccordionStu]

Hi Andrew, I have just finished a video that i hope will help you. I have sent it to you and its called Crossett flute

[@RFCRussell1]

@AccordionStu cheers mate

[@AccordionStu]

what notes are you playing? It can sound high pitched as it is a high pitched flute.

[@AccordionStu]

Hi It sounds like you have a concert flute. Although the principle is the same, the technique differs for blowing the concert flute. I won't be able to explain it here, type James Galway Masterclass into youtube and watch one of his, they are great.

[@kevinwatson9148]

Hello , sorryt o bother you , can you help , am looking to buy a miller wick , London flute , can you still buy them? Thanks for your help , thanks kevin

[@AccordionStu]

Hi Kevin. Fortunately the London model was perfected by the new owners based in N.Ireland and is a much better and more accurate flute now. But to answer your question, yes they may be purchased from auction sites second hand an with some work on the tone holes and embouchure you can bring them in tune with modern A=452Hz or 452.5 Hz flutes. Unless you want the hassle , my advice would be but a new Miller Wicks from Kilkeel, or a Peter Worrell flute, both excellent instruments imo.

[@kevinwatson9148]

@@AccordionStu thanks for your advice , cheers kevin

[@AccordionStu]

Davie how are you getting on with the flute now?

[@AccordionStu]

it is not a Piccolo, A Piccolo is much smaller, shorter than this, My hands are like shovels and I can't play a Piccolo. This is a B Flat Flute - for more info visit stuartboyd.co.uk

[@monicamelo2296]

i have standard flute..i dont see any tutorial for my standard flute....

[@AccordionStu]

Hi Andrew, the flutes are exactly the same regardless what make they are, you use exactly the same technique. If you can send me a video of what you're doing i might be able to help. Are you in a band or just playing for leisure?

[@AccordionStu]

Andrew you may have a crap flute, if the pads on the keys aren't sealing and air is escaping you will find it harder to play. Have you heard anyone else play your flute? What is it exactly that you are struggling with mate?

[@hardcoretilidie1]

i can blow it i know my scale and i know some tunes i just cant play accuratley and i find it hard to keep up with my band

[@michaelashe8170]

What note are you playing there? I can't get it as high pitched as that

[@AccordionStu]

Hi Michael, If you listen closely I name each note when playing them. If it doesnt sound high enough when you're blowing then you need to tighten your embouchure and blow again.

[@michaelashe8170]

@@AccordionStu thanks for the help been at it all night think iv got it I'm on to the next video now! Great help

[@YuzuLeanne]

I twist it around and around and did what u said and it didn't work!

[@Ryan-Ni]

Why is this so difficult to get the tune right 😂 so frustrating

[@frekr1]

Hello! Is a Bb-flute different from a regular one? I can’t seem to find any online.

[@AccordionStu]

When you say a regular flute, do you mean a Silver Concert Flute? A Bb Flute is slightly longer than a Piccolo and pitched in Ab although it was called Bb before modern day concert pitch. They are mostly made from African Blackwood with 5 or 6 German or Nickle Silver keys allowing it to play in 2 1/2 octaves. Some have tuning slides but dont really tune in with concert pitch instruments. They play in consort with F Flutes and Eb Piccolos and there are at least 3 makers in the UK, Miller Wicks NI, Tony Millyard and Peter Worrell, all are excellent makers. You can buy cheaper imported flutes from Pakistan on ebay called Miller Browne, Ferris or Pro Corps, Barnes and Mullins and Mullan flutes. Although made in Pakistan they are good quality. If you need any more info just ask.

[@frekr1]

Yes, a Silver Concert Flute. That is what I meant. I want to buy a marching flute. Is that the same as a Bb?

[@AccordionStu]

frekri1 yes mate just google 5 key Bb marching flute and you will get one from £60 - £750 depending on maker

[@frekr1]

Thank you so much for the help.

[@frekr1]

www.themarchingbandshop.co.uk/shop/instruments-accessories/flutes-accessories/flutes-fife/miller-browne-bb-marching-flute-5-keys-3-piece-slide-head-high-pitch/ Do you think this is would make a good starting flute? I am new.

[@SlicingBlockk]

That's a flute or a piccolo o-o?

[@briandickson6492]

I like your big beard

[@MauriceCalis]

Seems like the same fingering as a b-flat fife.

[@BlackOps2FUNNYGaming]

Could i buy a flute of u for like 20.00 m8 iv no money i haven't even got job nobody take me in for job

[@AccordionStu]

Hi Yes just message me your email address or join my facebook page on fluters companion and I can send it you on there

[@AccordionStu]

Sorry pal, you wouldnt get a flute for £20. I have one for sale for £99 they sell elsewhere for £150, you may get a penny whistle for £20 if you look on ebay.

[@briandickson6492]

I like your big beard