Dust off your instrument case! Best tips for adult amateur musicians.

[@leaveittolefty]

I’m renting a flute to learn at age 66. I played all the other woodwinds by the time i graduated high school…except flute. I am teaching myself to help my lung function and for the pleasure of making music

[@willistaylor4077]

Yes.... I developed fibromyalgia five years ago. And, getting back into the Flute, helped me with re-developing my breathing capacity. ❤️❤️

[@stansigstad9316]

Dang you're old. 🤣 I'm going to be 65 on my next birthday in five months. I'm old but don't feel old which is way cool. I do lots of interesting things that keep me young feeling.

[@mars2638]

I learned to play flute in middle school and played through high school. I picked it up occasionally in my 20s just for fun, but eventually stopped playing. Come 2011 and 44 years old, i was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After it was removed I was left deaf in one ear and with the right side of my face paralyzed. I always wondered, can I still play? It’s a woodwind instrument! I thought, no way. But for the new year, I said that I was going to hire me a flute teacher and pick it up to see if it’s a lost cause. Tomorrow will be my third lesson. I’m having to start from scratch. Today was a special day because I finally was able to maintain a note even after the paralysis was affecting my embouchure. When my mouth gets tired, I would feel it drooping and there would go the note. Sometimes I couldn’t even get a note out. But today I felt my lip get loose, and I was able to compensate, and still hold the note. I was so excited. Small steps. Onward and upward.

[@scarsabove]

This is exactly what I need. I haven't played the flute for about 30 years and now I'm starting over again.

[@user-xc5bz3np4g]

I’ve been playing guitar on and off for 18 years. It’s hard falling into the “I should be here at this point!”- stage of self criticism. This is so useful, thank you.

[@jodimerusi3250]

I'm 67 and have played flute continually since the age of 9. Right now I play in 2 different Community Bands. It's great! Didn't have to audition, if there's a solo in a particular piece we divide and conquer, that way other people, not just first chair gets to play the solos. (In one band I'm playing a short solo in a medley of music from The Lion King.) The second band meets for the first time on Wednesday so at this point I don't even know what music we'll be playing. I was in the market for a flute shortly before the pandemic hit. I tested out some flute's and knew which one I was going to buy. I waited another 5 months to save up some $ and bought it during the pandemic. Playing a different flute after 50 years was a definite learning experience. The embouchure was Very Different on my new flute and it took many hours of practice to adjust. I also bought a solid silver flute with a B foot joint. The only problem was back in 2010 I fell and broke BOTH arms at the elbow. New flute was much heavier than my old one. It made my arms hurt when playing for a long time (2 hour band rehearsals) I got used to that too, or my arms got stronger! I love my new flute, I enjoy practicing on it and playing in concerts in my 2 different bands. Playing the flute probably saved my life -- in 2001 my husband died very suddenly of a heart attack. He was gone before the ambulance even got to the house. He played trumpet with me in 1 of the bands. When he died I was in a Very Dark Place, but my band friends kept me going and the weekly rehearsals gave me something to focus on. At home, I'd often just pick up my flute, sit on the couch and just play whatever my fingers came up with. Sometimes it was melodies of music I liked (Shenandoah, You've got a Friend) Sometimes it was just notes that "sounded pretty" -- eventually with time the Dark Place went away and life went on to a New Normal. But music helped me through those tough times. So, whether you play for your own enjoyment or you play in a group -- Just pick up your instrument and Play!! Have Fun!!

[@Krinsta1]

❤

[@jodimerusi3250]

@@Krinsta1 Thanks! Music is wonderful in all it's forms. First rehearsal for one of my bands is tomorrow night, I'm really looking forward to it!! Do you play for your own enjoyment or do you play in an orchestra/band/chamber music group or are you a professional? Keep playing and Have Fun!

[@Krinsta1]

@@jodimerusi3250 I play for enjoyment and to keep myself sane 😁

[@jodimerusi3250]

@@Krinsta1 I hear you! Sanity is a very important thing to have!! 😂

[@eastmarvista3267]

Thank you Katie. I'm one of those adult students returning to music to learn flute. What you said is so true.

[@poisonclarinet]

Thank you, Katie. Really great tips! It’s important for adults returning to their instruments to realize that they may never be able to play that tricky Vivaldi passage seamlessly like they did back in the day (or at all for that matter). 😆 Adult amateur music should be for the sheer enjoyment of it, not to regain one’s past glory or to delude oneself into thinking the philharmonic is going to call. That keeps things in perspective.

[@dycubthesaxoflutist]

I've played the flute since I was 10 and recently returned to study music and bought a new flute after an 8-year hiatus from it and finishing college with a bachelor's degree in IT. I had a professor with whom I took lessons during my sophomore year in college and he really drained the heck out of my love of music. Burnout and performance anxiety is real! Thank you for these tips!

[@jbsinds]

Hello Katie and all! Sooo thank you Katie for this video. I started playing flute at the beginning of January of 2020 when Covid really hit hard around the world. Katie's videos and other books helped me to teach myself how to play the flute and reach my goals. I always wanted to play flute when I was a kid but didn't for personal reasons. But now I play with other musicians and working on doing more solos in front of people each year!! And this year I plan on learning the violin as well as keep up with my flute training. Thank you Katie!! And please, if you are hesitating about learning an instrument or returning to flute, just go for it!! Life is short and at the same time you'll never know how much you can achieve if you don't try. I am proof that if I hadn't move past my hesitation, I wouldn't be at the level I am now. I'm still motivated to continue my flute journey. Started playing flute at 29. Crazy 3 years have flown by and I see how far I have come!!! Thanks again Katie!! Have a wonderful day all!

[@barocke6352]

Thanks Katie for this encouraging video. I am 65 years old and started playing again two years ago after a very long break. After six months I bought a wonderful flute and have been going to lessons once a month ever since. I have multiple sclerosis and my neurologist says gaming is very good for my health. I am currently practicing the Hamburg Sonata by C.P.E. Bach - a wonderful piece. Greetings from Cologne!

[@nath8123]

This video came in such a good time, thank you Katie! I've been trying to go back to the flute for years now but I keep giving up out of frustration (not being able to play pieces I like and used to play is usually the end of me). As much as I try being kind to myself, going through it alone is not doing it for me. Now that I'm about to get a new flute and to take classes again, I couldn't be more excited about going back. You really got me an extra boost of encouragement, thank you!

[@simonedefouw6523]

I came back to the clarinet after a 5 year break during lockdown and 2 months ago I finally decided to start learning the flute as well. Those were some of the best decisions I've ever made!

[@overripemuskrat]

This was such a good video. I’m coming back to violin after a break and I’ve been struggling with not getting frustrated with myself.

[@julierocketqueen6257]

Thank you so much for this video. I didn’t choose music as a career and have regretted it for so many years now. I started playing the flute in 2021 just for fun and have completely fallen head over heels in love with it. I appreciate all these tips and willl try my mest to use all of them. Thank you so much for sharing 🌸💜

[@annedombroski7064]

Thanks, Katie. These are such great tips. The part about being realistic and remembering the joy of playing definitely resonated. Sometimes, it is hard to shake the childhood mentality that you must be perfect/ the best. I need to remind myself that it is for fun.

[@feadogmhor5170]

I’m an amateur flute player, playing pretty much continuously for the past 18 years. Started playing banjo a couple of months ago- let’s just say that I’m very impatient with myself, probably mostly because I’m used to picking up my instrument and play whatever I feel like.

[@rudolphmcneill515]

Hi Katie. I haven't played in over 20yrs. I went to music school and played for many years. I'm thinking about getting another flute and just playing for myself. I'll probably never be as good as I was, but the shear joy of playing again will definitely fill the musical hole in my soul. Thank you for your yips.

[@dkleath8697]

Thank you! I'm going to try!

[@debramcmichael1457]

Hi Katie! Thanks for making these videos! I'm returning to the flute at 43 years old and haven't played since high school. Definitely not like riding a bike so far but with practice it will come back to me. I look forward to this journey and have a goal of starting to play at my church eventually. Thanks for your inspiration and knowledge!!!

[@katieflute]

Hi Debra! That's a wonderful goal. Cheering you on and can't wait to see where your journey takes you! :)

[@dcnannen4319]

Miss your videos! Just watched all your vlogs. Take your time and take care of yourself!

[@anthonyjohnny1470]

Very well explained, Katie! As a 10 year experience piano player, I can confirm that even producing a nice, clear sound on a flute is hard! 😂 Greetings from Romania! 🙌

[@laurachequer2281]

Really good adviniese Katie, Thanksss… specially because they work for any musical instruments 🎸

[@Crookedmothart]

Thank you for this. I haven’t picked mine up for a while because my asthma got really uncontrolled and it was hard not to be hard on myself. Thank you ❤

[@broadwaymike92]

I started learning the saxophone during the pandemic. I initially wanted to do band in Middle School, but choir and drama conflicted. Already playing for the past 2 years. Such a fun instrument and it also has helped expanded me more as a singer..... playing the saxophone really is like an extension of the vocal chords.

[@mommamay01]

Im 33, I havent played since highschool and i just bought a flute this week. My husband knows i played in highschool but has never heard me play, hes gonna have to lower his expectations for a while 😂😂

[@LovelyLJ]

This video is very helpful. I've picked up my flute and put it back down over the years. I've been discouraged for a lot of different reasons. But it's good to hear this advice. It's things you know but it's easier to take it in when presented like this. I get so wrapped up in how it should sound I get discouraged and forget it's fun. And then I end up missing it again and the cycle goes on. Lol

[@sheebitz]

Thank you for this. I've been putting off returning to my flute because I hadn't played in years since my asthma got really bad. But now I'm medicated and I just worried that I'm no longer going to be good, and I'm such a perfectionist. This really helps me

[@Alyssieee]

Starting to save up some money to buy flute, this was my dream instrument since 2012. Thanks for your videos! ❤

[@marti_flute]

I hope that you will be back soon. I found your channel in December. I realize that you must be busy and wondered how anyone has time to create vlogs.

[@anthonyjohnny1470]

I'm really struggling on blowing correctly in the flute! 🤣 I just... ...Can't produce a clear sound! 😭

[@LovelyLJ]

I was 12 when I stopped taking lessons and now it's 25 years later trying to get back into it 😅

[@katherinemarx9928]

Another reeallly important thing is to take things slow and make sure your body is ready for this transition... I learned this the hard way by getting tendinitis after taking 6 years off and suddenly ramping back up for college. @katie, how do you not get a "grey" chin with your foundation on when you play???? That always happens to me.

[@dianaflute]

Dear Katie, please share which microphone you use . 🙏🏻

[@binibabybassoon]

Great topic!

[@willistaylor4077]

"High Expectations?" Yep. 😂❤️❤️❤️🎵🎵🙂🌈

[@DestinBeachImages]

Awesome! We spend so much time learning flute in high schools. It's such a shame to put it down. The benefits are stress relief from deep breathing. Joy and fun. My goal isn't to be professional - I do miss having places to perform. Any suggestions?

[@normalizedaudio2481]

You got to pay extra for the pink metronome.

[@Federico-zm1ym]

Like me I'm just return to play the violin just yesterday and for us to be very easy for me and now it's getting kind of hard since I stopped at for a while so I'm going to keep going on so I'm going to keep going until I master playing the violin cuz it's hard for me right now so first I want to focus on that then I would like to then after I master playing the violin then I can play my or I have a flute and I want to start learning to play it after I learn to play the violin right

[@JoseACruz-ej6xl]

Hi.. Nice video. My english is not good but I wanted know what is a good brand for flute.. Im not in a profesional level maybe I am in the middle but I want to buy a New flute, what is your suggest?

[@annham4136]

At 68 I am at the beginning stages of reclaiming my joy of playing. My big problem is fear that my neighbors can hear me! My goal is to be passably able to play jazzed up music with my son who is a guitar professional/teacher/performer in every sense of the word by Christmas. (gulp!)

[@katieflute]

That's amazing! I'm cheering you on :)

[@annham4136]

@@katieflute : :)

[@TheMillennialFlutist]

Hi Katie! ❤ your vlogs. Thank you for this video and the encouragement! I’m trying to have fun 🥴 lol

[@karenb1206]

Excellent advice summary Katie. I restarted flute a number of years ago now after stopping at school. I'm in the UK so your higg school equivalent. I found it very easy back then and played everything that was put in front of me so I did have to work at getting back to any sort of standard but have surpassed myself now and am pleased about tgat although I swear my fingers don't move so quick. Lol. I'll never get into the first orchestra but we're lucky to have a community orchestra that allows more tgan just 2 flute seats so therefore you don't need to professional or a teacher or studied at college to pass muster. Its def worth the effort as orchestra playing or playing with others is such a joy as you have said.

[@Newyearnewmeme2191]

Hi, thanks for all the videos Katie. I made it my new year resolution to restart playing flute. I have always played sharp, I am open to any suggestions, thanks.

[@daze_laze]

Katie please omg I have to play the Chinese Dance flute solo part of the Nutcracker Suite but I’m having a hard time at practice TvT any tips? 😭🙏🏼

[@jairoprofessor]

Katie, please, where are you? (... I'm just a fan from Brazil.)

[@fenlandwildlifeclips]

I have been trying to teach myself to play the flute this year. I started with your method of playing only with the left hand. The problem is that now I am trying to play with two hands, I am really struggling. I have effectively wasted two months playing it wrong. I've gone from feeling like I've accomplished something to struggling with balance, especially with C and struggling to even make a sound now. It would be far better to teach balance & the home keys first. Having to start again is very time-consuming & frustrating & most of us cannot afford teachers, by the way, so we're doing this on our own.

[@courtneywright1983]

what song is being played during the intro?

[@radoslavnenchev8412]

Which piece is the intro's music from?

[@flautavenuscontralto]

😉👍🏽🎶🎵🎶🇧🇷

[@le_tripmaster]

hello dyson

[@ulyssedebove150]

Am I the only one wondering if she's ok ? Why she's suddenly gone ? If you see this I hope you're ok and that you'll come back someday !

[@NatLikesRoblox]

no me too! shes probably just busy with concerts

[@ulyssedebove150]

I hope it's just this !

[@oxoelfoxo]

algo comment

[@le_tripmaster]

hello dyson