How to Play the Flute

Tap to Read ➤ Puja Lalwani

Music generated from a flute can be very comforting and relaxing. Follow this beginner's guide on learning to play the flute to create some beautiful tunes.

Flute is a musical instrument, producing very soothing sounds. Experts can tell how much it helps unwind, and how playing the flute can calm the senses, with the beautiful music generated. You too can learn this magical instrument, and experience its wondrous effect.

Tips for Beginners

This step by step guide will help you start off with the basics of playing the flute. ● Before you start, practice playing on a bottle, glass or plastic. Blow across the mouth of the bottle to create sounds. You can generate a low pitch sound if there is less liquid in the bottle, while a high pitch can be generated if there is more liquid in the bottle.

Purse your lips to make a 'p' sound to begin with. Keep practicing to be able to make a 'too' sound. Blow in a downward direction to create a note. This will make it easier to begin playing with a flute.

● If you are a beginner with the flute, it is ideal that you first rent one to practice and master the art of playing the flute. This will also help you determine whether your desire to learn to play the flute is strong enough to last, and will enable you to buy one once you have learned the basics.

If you wish to buy a flute, buy one that is closed-hole for students. The expensive ones are for professional and experienced players.

● The flute will come in a case in three different parts. Begin assembling it by connecting the head joint to the wide end of the central body.

The embouchure hole is to be placed in line with the first key on the body. Connect the foot joint to the other end of the body. The main rod of the foot joint is to be placed in line with the last key of the body.

● Hold the flute correctly. While the mouth is at the lip plate, the rest part should be directed to the right.

The left hand is closer to the mouth, while the right hand holds the remainder of the flute and balances it with the help of the thumb. The left thumb should be placed on a key.

● Posture is very important while playing the flute. It should be erect, while sitting or standing, in order to allow free passage of air. In this position, the flute should be held at a slight downward slant to produce quality sounds. Do not sit with legs crossed as this will affect the posture of the back too. Your head should be kept straight.

● Begin practicing only with the head joint of the flute. Take a deep breath, and place pursed lips on the lip plate, under the lower lip. Start blowing in a 'too' formation.

Be patient while learning as producing quality sounds from a flute takes some time and effort. It is ideal to practice before a mirror to be able to check the shape of the lips. The embouchure should be in the shape of a circle.

● To produce sounds from the flute, roll your lips inwards and place the embouchure hole on your rolled lips. You should be able to discern the circular shape of the embouchure hole.

Now, roll the flute out so that it is parallel to the ceiling. Try a short spit out to create a sound. If you do this before a mirror you will be able to tell which shape is helping you produce the right sounds.

● A fingering chart helps learn to play notes. It is a good guide that helps master the variety of musical notes. This way you will be able to generate music, and not just sounds, from your flute.

● Once you are done playing the flute, ensure that you clean it and remove all the spit that may have collected inside. Polish it every so often to keep it shining and as good as new. Dismantle it and place it in the case at normal room temperature.

Though these tips are a good way to start learning, they will prove more effective if you sign up for a class that will teach you how to play. There is a difference between self-instruction and professional instruction, which you will be able to see only under experienced guidance.