You Can't Have a Good High Register Without Having a Really Good Low Register - FluteTips 172

[@isabelleharle8162]

THANK YOU, Angela, this video has been like the key I needed to pass the big door of the fabulous word of the high tones,with, now, such a pleasure ! I like your way of teaching, not with 230 technic tips to remember to make one beautiful high note, but only with mentalizing : "I want to make a beautiful and full and round and resonant note"...so simple. Thank you again. Isabelle

[@DoctorFlute]

Fantastic! I appreciate your compliment. It is what keeps me making these videos.

[@yvonneburdine670]

I wish there was a "LOVE" button for a video because I love this one! I wholeheartedly agree with your analysis and application. In an earlier video you had recommended the Moyse book that has long tone exercises in it. I got it and spend 12 minutes every other day doing these long tones. People are hesitant to do exercises repeatedly but I have a friend who likened it to the scene in the movie "Karate Kid" where he's painting the fence...paint brush up, paint brush down. It was preparation for the karate move. I've been doing these long tones for a couple of years and now get numerous compliments on my tone.

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi Yvonne, that's fantastic. You absolutely get it and I'm so happy for you. Keep up the good work. "Wax on. Wax off."

[@MelodiePamil]

This came at the perfect time! Thank you!

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi Melodie, that's so great. How is your low register? Do you need to work at it some more? Keep me posted on your progress.

[@MelodiePamil]

I’m working on my lower register trying to get it to be more reliable. I’m also working on my 3rd octave trying to get a better grasp on a “piano” sound. I feel like I forget the connection between the lowest and highest register way too frequently! There is a tough little section in the 1st of the 6 Amirov flute pieces, towards the end of the piece, with a lot of low c and d. I’ve been struggling with that at the moment especially because it’s tongued. Many thanks, Melodie

[@kryzak123]

Love the video! I'm actually happy with my low register, but still figuring out the emboucher for the mid-high ones (though I do know how to make it resonant with the sinus cavity and mouth now). Constant practice!

[@DoctorFlute]

Right on Bernie! How's your support?

[@kryzak123]

@@DoctorFlute support is generally good, just always have to figure out the emboucher. Sometimes I blow at the wrong angle (too turned in) and hit the higher harmonics, and sometimes it splits into the lower and middle notes at the same time. Some days it sounds perfect. LOL. Just have to keep practicing to get consistent.

[@kryzak123]

BTW, I'm loving the tip on keeping the embouchure as loose as possible and just blowing hard to get a high note. That's allowed me to relax my embouchure for higher notes and things are getting a lot easier and relaxed now. Thank you!

[@dcallan812]

I find I can slur up an octave to the higher register, then control the note once I hit it. But it takes some work to hold a nice warm tone with vibrato. I guess if it was easy everyone would be playing the flute. 🤣. Great video 2x👍

[@DoctorFlute]

Hey DC - I know what you mean. Have you ever worked on harmonics or whistle tones? They might help with that issue.

[@dcallan812]

@@DoctorFlute I just started whistle tones about a week back, so early days. I normal warm up doing harmonics but I really should warm up for longer. 👍👍

[@DoctorFlute]

The whistle tones might help.

[@dcallan812]

@@DoctorFlute will keep at it 👍👍

[@eastmarvista3267]

Great information and advice!

[@DoctorFlute]

Thanks East Mar! How is your low register?

[@eastmarvista3267]

@@DoctorFlute Low register is really good. I always warm up with tone exercises going down to low B. I've learned to loosen up my embouchure in the low register and thus it helps me in the mid and high register. When playing, I can feel when my embouchure tightens up. My favorite flute book is Trevor Wye practice book for Tone.

[@DoctorFlute]

That is a great book. I think one of the best exercises in that book is the flexibility exercise. It really helps to solidify the embouchure.

[@PlanetImo]

Ahhh! Thanks for the ear protection tip. I am always wary holding my upper third octave notes too long as they do make my ears ring right away.

[@DoctorFlute]

I'm a total fan of ear protection. Good ones filter out the high harmonics while still letting you hear your real tone.