How Not to Crack on Your Middle Register Notes - FluteTips 164

I really detest cracking notes. It is one of those pet peeves that drive you crazy. One of the areas where it happens a lot is in the middle register. Those notes can often be what I call the caught-in-between sound. You know that sound when the notes isn’t quite up high enough, and it gets both a low and a high sound at the same time? I know how to fix it, but it still happens from time to time.
How about you? Does that sound ever come out of your flute? Let’s see if I can help you.
Have fun!
DoctorFlute
How NOT to Crack on Your Middle Register Notes - FluteTips 164
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[@tuttiflutie]

This information is very helpful! Cracking in the middle register has been my pain point for many years and as much as I try to analyse the problem, I always have a hard time figuring out how to consistently correct it. I’m looking forward to apply what I’ve learned in this video in my next practice session! Thank you so much!

[@DoctorFlute]

Fantastic. Keep me posted!

[@yvonneburdine670]

When I resumed playing (after a 46 year hiatus) I had ordered intermediate solos to play at my church with an excellent piano accompanist. I had worked up 5 solos during the 14 months I was stuck at home awaiting the Covid vaccine to be developed. In certain passages I had written SOFT over these mid-range notes that tended to crack. One solo I wrote NO NO NO all over as I didn't want to forget not to play it and embarrass myself in front of 100+ congregants! Now, approximately 2 years later, I can play these passages/solos without any cracking, unless it's towards the end of my practice session and my lips are tired. Sorry for being verbose but want to encourage others it does get better, and playing the same songs/etudes over a number of years enables you to see your progress. Thanks again Dr. Flute for addressing a tough subject.

[@DoctorFlute]

I love hearing about your progress. It's nice that you are encouraging others that they too can overcome this problem.

[@susangardner7435]

This is precisely what I've been trying to fix. Thank you for this timely post!

[@DoctorFlute]

Glad it helped!

[@julierocketqueen6257]

GREAT tips!!!!!!

[@DoctorFlute]

Thank you!

[@Freedommeadow]

Fabulous! I have honestly not been playing my flute since the first COVID lockdown and now that I'm back and working on a musical. My emboucher is soooo tight, notes are cracking, ugh! This has been so helpful. I am loving your reminders for a RELAXED emboucher. Have it on a sticky note on my music stand now. Love your tips on teeth spacing too. I honestly never heard of that in my 30 odd years of playing. I have some work to do

[@DoctorFlute]

Great news! I know the teeth spacing is not a widely talked about technique but it should be. Sounds like you are on the right track!

[@rodneymills6477]

D? I've never cracked a D in my life! I thought this video was gonna tell me how not to crack middle F. Petulant, unstable, fragile little note.

[@DoctorFlute]

Apply the same idea to whatever notes you are having difficult with.

[@vknightflute]

"Petulant, unstable, fragile little note..." This slayed me.

[@suzanneprior3251]

Very helpful! Especially because I tend to think cracking is due to air speed, rather than direction. I'll pay more attention to the direction in future. Thank you!

[@DoctorFlute]

Glad my videos help you! Air speed does play a factor too it's just not the only answer. Thanks!

[@zxKAOS1]

Me too. I've been blowing harder on the notes some of the notes in the range that have the same fingerings to maintain the higher of the 2, to compensate

[@DoctorFlute]

Try everything and you'll figure out what works.

[@markruby2434]

There is another issue with cracking notes. The air stream may be fine from the point of projection and angle. There may be too much lip and facial movement. Keep movement to a minimum. The other sticking point is in the articulation. Make sure tongue is in ready position prior to tone production. This will be preparation for consistent air stream with proper support and no movement of tongue or mouth.

[@DoctorFlute]

Sounds great!

[@klinde5062]

This is very informative and helpful. Which Devienne Concerto are you playing?

[@DoctorFlute]

Thanks! E minor concerto

[@Maurice_nex]

What was the Piece that You were playing please let me know 💕

[@DoctorFlute]

That was the Devienne concerto in E minor. It is a lovely concerto.

[@Robyn19fnq]

Every. Single. Day! I don't have the control yet to maintain all those middle notes. I continue to crack all the way to C.

[@DoctorFlute]

Oh man! You can do it. Just find where that tone sits in your embouchure and in the register. It'll get better!

[@taylorfusion]

I....just......cannot.....seem........to......FIX.....this. Yet, I will watch this video again but sometimes think it's because my YFL-581 Flute w/ solid silver head joint is cheap! Maybe a better head joint (Drelinger)....?? Oh...However, I don't have the issue in coming down from higher pitches (as in that etude example). Rather, always when slurring UP from lower notes i.e. middle Ab > pesky E OR middle B > pesky E OR G > pesky E

[@DoctorFlute]

How is your support? Notes crack without a lot of support. About the flute, the only way to know is trial some flutes or head joints and see if everything improves.

[@potapotapotapotapotapota]

I always crack trying to play loud

[@DoctorFlute]

We all have to worry about that. Aim the air down.

[@randlyons7278]

When your nervous system learns how to do something well, it's hard to goof it hugh?😃

[@DoctorFlute]

Sounds good to me!