How to improve your upper register on the flute

[@alyseceleste]

I have been ::struggling:: with a piece of music that lives in the upper register which I was having the hardest time with, and the tension was the culprit! THANK YOU

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Glad I could help! 😊

[@scootermacarthy5990]

Some additional information I can offer here. Flutes can also be fitted with a donut inserted into the second G key hole for assistance to the high E. Also, open G# flutes do not have this venting problem which weakens the E but most players do not use this system anymore. In addition, I recommend handling the keys F, E, and D as little as possible and instead, hold the flute by the barrel most of the time you are not playing it. This is because the edges of the pads can get damaged and the salts from perspiration get into the tiny spaces of the rods and can cause them to rust or corrode. Assemble the flute holding the barrel and the head joint only and this will help your flute need less repairs as we see this frequently in our shop. Much incorrect action is done on woodwinds when assembling because players are not told how to assemble correctly. The assembly of the foot joint is okay here if you just drape the fingers over the keys and not grab it tightly. In summary, handle or grasp the flute keys at a minimum or not at all. Your video shows you holding the flute on the keys for quite some time. Hope this helps.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Thank you for your tips! As an adult I'm more gentle with my flute but yes I definitely agree with you! I teach all my young students to always grip the body of the flute where there is no keys when assembling and disassembling the instrument. 😀

[@lizzypop2628]

Can you make a video on how using different volumes of air affects flute playing?? Required air pressure of each register, or the required angle of air in each register/special notes? Super curious about your thoughts. I have learned that I’ve been overblowing my entire life. I have just begun thinking about how air angle could affect quality of sound.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Ooh great suggestion! If you'd like to submit it on this form, then I'll be able to get to it for a future video idea. Thanks! 😀www.flute.school/ask

[@neoptelemus]

Maybe not a famous piece but 'Chromatic Polka' by Ernesto Kohler is a study written for the flute

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Thank you! Koehler has great studies for flute! 😀

[@michaellee2731]

I was wondering what brand flute do you have and I was also wondering if you can make a video of circular breathing

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Michael, I play on a Muramatsu flute. Thanks for your suggestion on a video about circular breathing. I've made a note of this. 😊

[@SufyMusic]

I am finding the upper register easier now, I think the b foot needs a service again, my alto flutes low register sounds so much clearer 😅

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's awesome to hear your upper register feels easier now! 😀

[@SufyMusic]

@@JaneFluteSchool I had amnesia most of the year and I forgot how to play the flute, it felt like big globs of memory coming back at certain points. I feel very blessed I think my concert flute needs another service my alto flute is fine 🤩

[@lois2911]

I tend to get mouth farts trying to get the high notes. So, of course, the aperture of my embouchure is too small as I tend to try to do a pinhead aproach.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Oh no! That's not good you're getting mouth farts for the high notes! Check out my free tiny course on tone to help you improve your embouchure. www.flute.school/free