Piccolo Tuning - FluteTips 67

[@midnightmoth1]

Thank you! As a flute payer, I often thought that piccolo was like a miniature version of a standard flute but now that I'm teaching myself the piccolo, I've been proven wrong. Who'd think that it's not a matter of just pulling out or pushing in to tune? Tho I already was taught formerly by my old professor to tune and be mindful of every single note, I wasn't expecting piccolo to be so sensitive in comparison to the full size flute.

[@DoctorFlute]

I too was amazed when I started really getting into picc. It is so much more then just a loud instrument for marching band. Especially sensitive are the beautiful wooden piccs.

[@nancydellacroce6425]

Yes loved that tip. I still find intonation challenging. It’s pretty nerve racking at times on exposed parts. I’m going to try the appeggios. Ty

[@DoctorFlute]

You got this! On piccolo tuning is never going to be easy but learning what your piccolo can do is beneficial and the arpeggios will help.

[@kaylerlou24]

THIS HELPS SO MUCH! I played piccolo in marching band in high school and it was ANNOYING because i could never keep it in tune lol. I also was section leader senior year and i wish i knew this back then haha

[@DoctorFlute]

Thanks Kayla! Are you still playing picc today?

[@kaylerlou24]

@@DoctorFlute I play it occasionally lol. Like, yesterday I pulled it out and played it for the first time since last year and it honestly took me like 10 minutes to get my embouchure right😂

[@DoctorFlute]

I'm with you! If I don't play picc with regularity it takes a bit to get my tone back.

[@marccroteau4717]

Great instruction, Dr. McBrearty. Thanks!

[@jaredparker2285]

Great suggestions. I’d add - play with a pitch pipe , that helped me hear sharp and flat intonation issues This helps later in ensemble work

[@DoctorFlute]

Sure, although I like the tuner better as it really trains the ear.

[@catarinaneto7893]

This video is soooo helpful! As a self taught flute/piccolo player, this was really what I needed! But I have a question, how can I maintain the pitch on the ending of the notes? I have realized several times that the pitch changes, but I really don't know what to do... Thanks :)

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi Catarina, that is the question all piccoloists need to answer! It all comes down to support. If you end notes with a lot of air pressure or what the music world calls support then that holds the air in place as you end notes. You can then taper your embouchure knowing that the air pressure is staying the same. It frees your embouchure to do what it needs to do. Try it and let me know how it is going.

[@LS-fj7pm]

what piccolo are you using or recommend for advanced or professional level on a budget?

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi! I am playing on an old Brannen piccolo. But there are some good mid-level piccs it all depends on your budget. The best thing to do is find a used professional model that is considerably cheaper then a new one. Yamaha has some good mid level ones that are not wood but composite material. They can still have nice warm sounds. It all depends on how much money you can spend.

[@LS-fj7pm]

thank you!!! do you know if burkart or the sonare powell piccolos are good?

[@DoctorFlute]

Those would be fantastic choices either one.

[@Cookie_Department]

How to tune 100 piccolos? Easy. Get rid of 99 of them. :)

[@DoctorFlute]

:)