How to STOP RUNNING OUT of AIR on the Flute!

[@ViktoriousFlutes]

I did ALL OF THESE mistakes when I got into college. I've been trying so hard to figure out why this was happening to me. I filmed myself and posted on KZbin and over a couple of years my embouchure did get smaller and my lips were not tight anymore. I realized that my air stream was slow so I stopped blowing so hard. I really appreciate what you do.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Thank you Viktoriya - what a nice comment. And good one YOU for being so proactive in your progress! Jane

[@ViktoriousFlutes]

Thank you! I wish I could meet you in person.

[@isabellasalazar7395]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! I was starting to lose confidence until I saw this video. I have a hard time playing long phrases but now I am starting to be able to play those phrases in one breath. Thank you!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Oh that is fantastic to hear Isabella!! Jane

[@TheExterminatrix]

God, besides your lessons, I just LOVE this opossum-like toy behind you

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Oh, yes that's a bilby! It's an Australian marsupial - very cute. Jane

[@Arisoup]

Thanks a lot! I have a upcoming performance for my band class and I’ve really been struggling at this. Good video 💕

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's great the video helped you Harbaw! Good luck with the band performance!

[@tr4shy_ch1ld46]

Same!

[@julie2255_]

Thank you I really needed this I’m a beginner in band and it’s harder to learn when virtual thank you.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Julie, yes nothing beats a good real life teacher! While your band is virtual, I hope the videos help you :)

[@vmprie]

(real late) But thank you for this video! I've been working on an audition w/ my teacher, but breathing/phrasing was always a problem that we couldn't fix. We both knew that I could play through phrases without taking as much breaths as I usually did (because I played them separately for my teacher), but I could never implement that into my playing altogether. I learned that my breaths were way too short and that I wasn't taking enough air to last me through the phrases 😅

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hey that is great to hear what you've learned. Good on you!

[@ivansantiago9860]

Thanks for the advices. Gorgeous hair you have by the way...

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Oh that’s very kind of you!

[@chuckwong]

Thank you Jane for this excellent summary. I recommend everyone to watch your videos repeatedly. I was still out of breath even after watching your video. I mistakenly blamed asthma and a whole host of other old people ailments. After an expensive music lesson, my teacher pointed out that my lower lip was too far forward, therefore covering the blow hole. I then watched your video again and you DID mention this point, but I obviously missed it. I could have saved on the expensive music lesson had I watched your video over and over again. Thank you again for your excellent logical instructions. Greetings from Hong Kong, CHINA

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're most welcome Charles! Well, it's good that you got the lesson so now my videos mean more to you. THat's a great outcome! And thanks for your very nice comments about the videos I make. Good luck with your playing!

[@mariamajeed2036]

Hi Mrs. Jane Cavanagh!! I know you might not see this, but I hope you do. I’m a beginner flutist. I’m in fifth grade and I’ve been having a lot with controlling my breath on the flute, I’m also not the best at shaping my embouchure. Your videos have been helping me so much, especially in these difficult times due to Covid-19. I have never taken any music classes before this school year, so when I transferred I was very behind, I couldn’t even begin to grasp the concept of rhythm let alone playing an instrument. Over the year I progressed and am now in the school band. I still have a lot to learn, but your videos are what help me stay focused and teach me new things!!! I wanted to say a HUGE thank you! 😊😊

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You are so very welcome Maria! Thank you for your lovely comment. I'm glad the videos are helping you and good luck in your school band :) Jane

[@Sugars.M]

I'm unable to get high notes out on flute without blowing super hard, which makes the tone bad. Is it just an embouchure problem?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi ooer. Yes, needing to blow really hard for high notes is normally an embouchure problem. But you can fix it! Check out this video and see if it helps you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGHGgnp6jql8l9U

[@an_athena_daughter]

This is the video I needed, I was wondering what I was doing wrong, thank you!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Glad I could help! 😀 If you'd like to further improve your tone, check out my free tiny course. www.flute.school/free

[@linsalz_]

i got my flutes less than an hour ago, i can play the notes D and E. but I run out of air in like two seconds, watching this, wish me luck

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's awesome you've just started playing the flute Lin! Here's the link to my free 3 day mini course on tone if you're interested. www.flute.school/free

[@juliavunkannon4072]

I had no idea/had completely forgotten! I am so grateful for this video and yes this does solve two of my three top problems with playing the flute (sound and running out of air). The other one, moving my fingers fast enough, can probably be improved with just more practice, but i had forgotten that there is a specific technique for how to form the lips. Thank you so much!!!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

No worries! Glad I could help! 😊

[@hopelash8363]

Thank you so much for this! We have to record ourselves playing so that our director can put all of our recordings together and make it sound like we are all playing together(since we are not able to have a actual concert bc of quarantine) and I keep running out of air super quick and it doesn’t sound the best so this really helped!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

So glad it helped you Hope! Good luck with the recording! Jane

[@ThatLonelyChild]

yasss an aussie flute player 🙌 You're so talented! Thanks for making these amazing videos!!!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Aww thank you so much! 😊 Glad you're enjoying the videos and my Aussie accent woohoo!

[@fwouado7238]

Really love this video, I am working on Bach and these breathing tips are so helpful for improving my phrasing. Thank you.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're so welcome! Glad I could help! 😀

[@aaaa.6430]

You corrected all of my mistakes ;) I used to play flute in primary school and then forgot about it for 20 years 😄 now, I bought second hand flute and I am trying to improve my poor lever

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Yay that's awesome to hear you're getting back into your flute playing! We have many members inside The Flute Academy that have returned to their flute playing after a long break. You'd fit right in! Here's the link in case you're interested. 😀www.flute.school/academy

[@hannahvelez3185]

thank you so much! this helped instantly with my phrasing for an upcoming audition!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hey wow Hannah - that's GREAT to hear! Good on you! And I hope your audition went well. Jane

[@kittygaming1473]

I hope this helps this is my 2nd year of band and I have only played the flute for band and this has always been a problem and me being shy I didn’t want to ask my teacher questions

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hope you enjoyed the video! All the best with your band! 😀

[@stansigstad9316]

I'm learning to play the flute mostly because I was told it would help strengthen my lungs which suffer from asthma and COPD

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's awesome! Let us know if you feel like there is a difference in the strength of your lungs after you've been learning for a while.😊

[@davisanchez6887]

Whenever I play my flute I’m a beginner flute and I’m in 6th grade and it’s really hard to breath through measures for me and I’m trying to sit up straight but it still won’t work

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Davi! It's good that you're sitting up straight - well done for thinking about this! When flute students have trouble getting through whole measures (or bars, as we say in Australia), it's because the hole in your mouth is too big. Try closing that up a little (or a lot) and see if that helps! Jane

[@davisanchez6887]

Jane Cavanagh - Flute School thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Your amazing

[@saanvijoshi5793]

@@davisanchez6887 lol im in 6th, too! :D

[@melbinantonypappachan9239]

You are a good teacher. I play Venu ( A South Indian flute ). Techniques are common and it reminds me of my teacher. 😇

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Oh that's good that it is helping you with your venu playing - you're right, some techniques are similar, especially embouchure. Jane

[@andobil]

Hi Jane, from BIL I love the BILBY BYBIL I have a cheap ALDI flute I use it to sample on my MPC one

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's awesome! 😀

[@christerbjernelind626]

Thank you! I really like your lessons! They give me the information i need as a complement to my sporadic lessons with my (great but for me too expensive) teacher! Perhaps one day I even can master the third octave helpfully!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're very welcome Christer! And it's good to hear that you have occasional lessons. It's a great thing about being an adult learner, you can take notes from your lessons (or these videos) and self direct your own learning. It's a super power that us adults have and most kids cannot do! Best of luck with your progress!

[@low7renkiarie355]

Very helpful

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Thank you! 😊

[@hichavo]

THANK YOU I HAVE MY ALL REGION CONCERT COMING UP SOON THIS IS SO HELPFUL 🌹🌹

[@JaneFluteSchool]

I hope your region concert goes well! 😀

[@linacarlsson1677]

can you explain HOW you can help your students (kids) to understand how they can changes to a good embrouche? :-)

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Lina, If you haven't done so yet, check out my free three day mini course on tone. 😀 Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/free

[@augusta2560]

Thank You for Your advices! I'm certainly interested in a flute school (I live in Germany)

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi to you in Germany!

[@Bluesky_2023]

This helped me a lot in flute class and I did most of these mistakes so this video vas very helpful thank you😊

[@JaneFluteSchool]

So glad to hear my video was helpful! All the best in your flute class! 😊

[@lyaxolotl1300]

Hello! How do you make your embouchure so small yet make such a good sound? I know the fingerings and how to read notes but the breath has always been so hard for me. I can usually do it in outlying 3 seconds

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi there! 😊 Come and join me in my free tiny course and I'll show you the correct embouchure to use to make a good tone. Hope to see you there! www.flute.school/free

[@_juless_]

Thank you so much! I just started band and this really helped!!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Glad it helped! All the best with band! 😊

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

what are exercises there for louder and more quiet breathing tones during/ while jumping through different notes. in order to make flute sound professional rather than one boring tone with diff notes

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Inside The 45 Day Flute Transformation course (located inside The Flute Academy), I mention many tone exercises for the flute that you can practise. Here's the link to The Flute Academy in case you're interested in learning more from me. www.flute.school/academy 😀

[@lucindashadzz9089]

Oh my God thanks so much im a junior higher and I am playing the flute and I kept blowing to hard thanks miss 😊

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Glad to hear my video was helpful Lucinda! 😊

[@ipsitamazumder2020]

Thank you so much. Very helpful ❤ bless you Jane.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're welcome Ipsita :) Jane

[@kaylathecoolkid7958]

Thank you so much!!!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're so welcome MLG :)

[@rolandmartina6959]

Good teacher thank you.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@muyambangomubuka4400]

Thank you Jane for your experience it helped me

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@poppetx]

I only have chinese bamboo flutes but this helped a tonne thanks

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's excellent to hear Sophiie! Yes, chinese flutes (and all flutes) actually have very similar embouchure, so this technique is helpful to other flutes too.

[@nebiiki]

Thank you so much for your advice! This helped me so much into playing more measures. 1 irrelevant question. What flute model are you using?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Glad it was helpful! I play a Muramatsu EX model, with a Williams headjoint. I love Muramatsu flutes, but there are lots of great brands around!

[@ceciliaevans]

Hi, I was wondering if it have anything to do with belly breathing, I don’t know how to do it and does it affect the length of breathing or?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

When breathing in, you should feel your stomach expand/push out, then when breathing out, your stomach should go in. This will help with controlling the speed of your airstream when playing the flute. 😀

[@ctangtxy6609]

OMG this helped so much. Thank you.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Brilliant Cheryl!

[@rosemariecaasi6554]

This video is helpful. Thank you. ☺️

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You’re welcome Rosemarie 😊 Glad it helped you.

[@motherhoodsbeauty9279]

I run out of breath when I play flute. The only instrument that could not learn. Even I still don’t know how to fix it after watching you video

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Delena - great that you've learnt so many other instruments! Try the mini-course here: www.flute.school/free - it is designed to improve your tone, but it will hugely help you stop running out of air so fast too :)

[@ananazar4343]

Por favor subtitulos en español. Gracias

[@randomnesss3446]

I’m really late on this one, but I’m going to try and fix these things so I don’t run out of air playing my solo

[@JaneFluteSchool]

I hope these tips have helped you in your flute playing! 😀

[@curtpiazza1688]

Makes sense...thanx!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're totally welcome Curt!

[@halcyon2017]

How long does it take to fix it? 30 minutes later nothing changer I wonder why

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Keep trying and practising in front of the mirror will definitely help! 😀

[@halcyon2017]

@@JaneFluteSchool Looks like my son found out how to comment via my account. 😅 His comment is the initial one that you replied to. He's 11 years old. He's actually amazing at playing the flute after 8 months of practice. He thinks too little of himself. I will relay your comments to him!

[@rakshitpatel4344]

You are awesome ❤️

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Oh, why thank you very much! You are most likely awesome too!

[@darlenethornburg4099]

I am having problems with hitting the F note. Not sure how to fix. I can hit all others.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Darlene - The F on the flute is not notoriously difficult, so it's very likely there's something a bit out of alignment with your flute. See if you can get it to a repairer to do a fix - if it's just your F, it'll probable be a very quick (ie cheap) fix. Good luck!

[@farisbadri8699]

My upper lip is sharp so my embouchure got two hole because the middle of my lips was blocked, so basically its hard for me to narrow down my embouchure.Any idea regarding this?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Faris, You might have a tear drop lip. Check out my video where I discuss playing the flute with a tear drop lip. Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bneweX2YoMmcoM0 Hope it helps! 😊

[@saanvijoshi5793]

Thank you so, so, much! This was really helpful because I have testing in middle school, and I have to play sixteenth notes that are slurred at 146bpm!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're welcome Saanvi! Good luck with your tests :) Jane

[@saanvijoshi5793]

@@JaneFluteSchool Thank you so much! :D

[@aaliyah2020]

Thank you so much lol I’m trying to audition to get into symphonic band

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's great Aaliyah! I hope your audition goes well :)

[@aaliyah2020]

@@JaneFluteSchool thanks ❤️

[@mrprofessor2755]

How much longer we should blow the flute in 1 shot without taking break??? 10-20-30sec how much long ??

[@JaneFluteSchool]

It would depend on the piece of music you're playing - where the phrase markings are. 😀

[@mrprofessor2755]

@@JaneFluteSchool what if I have just started it so how much long I should Target that I should at least last this much . And I am practicing it on bamboo flute and I am not able to produce proper sound so if you cangive me some tips than it will be a great help. thank you

[@loganf4132]

I do all of these correctly when im not playing the flute and when i play the flute but i still run out of air.. its weird? Maybe i should get checked for asthma..?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hey Logan, sometimes flute players THINK they have a tiny hole in their mouth, but actually it could be smaller. Same goes for blowing too hard. Do a double check and see if you can blow a little softer with an even smaller hole. Good luck! Jane

[@loganf4132]

@@JaneFluteSchool i always have a small hole, i play piccolo too. I keep trying but maybe the hole is too small?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Logan - if your embouchure hole is too small, you won't get a sound at all. I hope that helps you a bit?!

[@nagihanerdem7502]

wow such a cute teacher!

[@humphreybwalya9778]

I did 20s

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Nice work! 😊

[@terryberry12]

Hi, do you have any tips for the start of the Beethoven Leonore Overture no 3, the part where you have to hold high and long notes? I seem to be wasting a LOT of air. Thanks! 😊

[@JaneFluteSchool]

For high notes on the flute, use a smaller embouchure (corners of your mouth come forward slightly) as well as consistent airstream to help achieve these long notes. 😀

[@suzanad]

Do you have any tips on reaching high notes way above the ledger lines? I'm not really sure if it's just me thinking I won't be in tune with the others (so I usually play lower) or if it's an embouchure problem

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Suzana - the concept for playing high notes actually should be applied from E2 and up. It's just that as you get into the highest octave, you need to be even better and more controlled at the technique to have your high notes come out with ease (and not too sharp!) So it's not an embouchure "problem", more a technique that you can develop. Check out this high note video if you need more help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGHGgnp6jql8l9U Best of luck!

[@Cam-xc3fj]

@@JaneFluteSchool what about low notes? I can’t play low notes too loud or else they’ll turn into high notes😭

[@Cassy.Wright]

Hey Jane! This is not on topic, but I am really struggling with a C to D trill. I am submitting for Southern California Virtual Band (it’s not too serious, I’m only in 8th grade)I really want to get this trill! Do you have any advice?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

HI Cassy! Good question :) So it you're trilling from C (natural) to D (natural) down low (the C in the 3rd space up on the staff) then the trill is the first trill key (the one with your right index finger). If you're trilling the C to D an octave above that, the trill to use is the second trill key (ring finger right hand). Good luck with your audition!

[@Cassy.Wright]

@@JaneFluteSchool Wow thank you so much for replying!! I asked my fellow flute classmates (who are working on the same piece) and they said to use the first trill key. Should I use the first or second. I am doing the higher octave of the C natural to D natural trill. Thanks!

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're welcome! The second trill key (the one closest to the foot joint) is the right one for the C to D trill (two ledger lines). If you use the first trill key, probably no ones going to notice, but the trill comes out a bit flat, so it's not the right one to use.

[@Cassy.Wright]

@@JaneFluteSchool Thank you! I am about to record for my submission. Pray that it will turn out good, I know God hears our prayers!! I love your channel by the way it was awesome talking to you!

[@mediconmic2409]

But I have a doubt, In the beginning we have time to breathe in a lot of air, but while we're playing and making a transition between notes then we don't have that much time to breathe in a lot! Is there any solution for it? I hope u got it..

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi MoM - yes, the best way to deal with this is to learn to use LESS air by having a really small embouchure hole . That way you'll mostly be able to get through phrases that are written. Then as you get more advanced, you learn to "sneak" breaths and find ways to breathe more fully that means you can learn harder pieces! Good luck :)

[@Zaifod2011]

how long can you hold your breath ?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Great question! I'm not sure exactly as I haven't timed myself recently although long enough to get through some long phrases which is helpful on the flute! 😀

[@Zaifod2011]

@@JaneFluteSchool id love to see you try sometime. You have a beautiful smile

[@halcyon2017]

I'm just 8 months deep into flute, can't reach 2 seconds

[@JaneFluteSchool]

That's awesome you're 8 months into your flute playing! 😀 Make your embouchure smaller by bringing the corners of your mouth slightly forward. This will make the hole that your lips create smaller which will help create longer notes.

[@saramunera5683]

dios mio te amo gracias

[@JaneFluteSchool]

You're welcome Sara!

[@Buttergirla]

I didn't have this problem when I was a kid. Now I cant seem to get my breath back no matter hiw often I play

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Butter, it might be that you're just getting used to blowing with a small hole in your mouth again. Keep up the practice and see if you improve! (And do the free mini course here: www.flute.school/free) - it will help you with your air :)

[@aarongan3293]

Hi..Jane So for point 2 what should be the correct embouchure ?

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi Cai, I'd love to explain a correct embouchure to you in a comment, but it's just not possible without demonstrating! I suggest you check out this video here to get yourself a great embouchure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKKzfXuBZqmMqdE Good luck!

[@user-zv1go2yn6h]

❤

[@JaneFluteSchool]

😊💕

[@dearqslor]

It's so hard I can't figure it out :(

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Oh no Vellenvi! If you need some help, try this free mini-course which will improve your tone: www.flute.school/free

[@logeshkumar7367]

i think am blowing hard and so i ran out of air.. Thank uu

[@JaneFluteSchool]

If you're running out of air too quickly, try and make your embouchure size smaller (corners of your mouth come forward slightly). 😀

[@logeshkumar7367]

@@JaneFluteSchool oohhh okay okay TQ!❣️

[@disharmony7916]

when i take breaths i do it like im drinking the air.

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hey, that's a great way to think of it! Good on you!

[@chengenleong7252]

I have one more reason to add on FORGOT BREATHING WHEN BREATHE RUN OUT

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Yes, remembering to breathe is definitely important!

[@Sole-Survivor]

liked

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Thanks! 😀

[@june853]

If I not blow out all my breath it wouldn’t sound

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Hi there! Try and refine your embouchure and direct it to the opposite edge of the hole, instead of using heaps of air. If you adjust the angle of your airstream you won't need to use as much air for the note to come out. 😀

[@aadaaezee8078]

you talk too much

[@JaneFluteSchool]

Aww good to know aad!