I came across this site. Great idea. A great, portable way to swab the piccolo out. I lost my little cleaning rod long ago……….but this seems to be a great replacement. The only complaint I have about it, is that it barely fits in my Piccolo case.
Category: Articles
Studio Lesson Policies
If you don’t subscribe to the Flute List, then you should. They had some interesting posts about lesson policies going on. Here are a couple to ponder…..
Flutes for Jazz?
suz writes “I have just embarked on the long slow boat to the land of a new flute. I’ve tried several this week; next week it’ll be several more I imagine. A used flute dealer and I had this rather thorough conversation about my playing ability, style and interests, and then he produced three lovely old French-made instruments for me to try. They were good flutes, but the wrong type of sound, I thought (I guess he and I were on different wavelengths). Frank Zappa mentioned that flutists and harpers have a bad look on their faces because of all this cloud and angel music they have to play. I am not playing cloud and angel music, though those French flutes would have been good for that.So my inquiry: I want EVERYONE’s opinion about brands, features, tone, and any other aspect of the instruments themselves as pertains to jazz. Thanks in advance!”
Ok, well, where to start. It really doesn’t matter what type of flute you get. It could be Yamaha, Geminhardt, Powell, etc, etc. What is important is the tonal qualities your seeking. Are you seeking a bright tone? Or a darker tone? Then you’d choose a flute that has those qualities in addition to good sturdy keywork, excellent intonation, etc, etc. It really doesn’t matter too much WHAT you play on as long as you like it.Personally, I like my Yamaha 581, though sometimes I wish for a darker, rounder tone. I’m afraid to try a Haynes or Powell or something because then I’d KNOW for sure that the Yamaha I have is not as good. Don’t get me wrong, I like my flute a lot. We have about 30 different stage shows that we’ve done together, along with some recording sessions, etc. It’s dependable, and durable. I just wish it was a little more flexiable.Some day I’ll get a Haynes or a Powell, but I doubt I’d part with the Yamaha.
Sound Quality and the Shrinking Pit
I play in pit orchestras sometimes. And this article was interesting. It’s very true that orchestra sizes seem to be diminishing. Last couple of shows I’ve done have been “abridged” versions, where we have 2-3 reeds (out of 5), 1-2 strings, 2-3 brass, and rhythmn section. Most of the other stuff, if it’s being covered (usually doesn’t get covered), is done with Synths….
Regardless, the author makes some valid points about sound quality.
Perfect Pitch Museum
Do you have perfect pitch? Can you listen to the howl of the wind, and say that it was blowing in D? Or that a two-tone clock strikes in B minor? This site explores the complexities of perfect pitch, which can be tricky, as there is relative pitch, perfect pitch, and absolute pitch. While some feel that it is an inherited gift, frequently encountered in the blind, others argue that it can be learned. There is a reference to the abilities of the young Mozart, which is to be expected, and a story about Ravel, who lost the ability to express his music, although it was still ‘in his head’. Some features, such as the historical fluctuation of concert A would be of more interest to musicians, but the examples in the section ‘Amazing Feats of the Ear’ would engage everyone else. The ‘Definitions for the Musically Disinclined’ is very helpful in this regard.
I personally believe that you can learn perfect pitch.
Extended Technique Websites
Robert Dick has a great online resource available. His Extended Techniques Resource Page available off of Larry Krantz’s page is something any flutist/flautist should check out.Another good resource is Mats Möller’s site. He has some excellent graphic and audio examples of Extended Flute Techniques.
Jazz Flutists
GJ wrote “I would like to know the names of some jazz flutists. Does anyone have any recommended listening?”
I think one of my favorite ones is Jim Walker. Others would be Hubert Laws, and Herbie Mann.
How to Get My Tone Back Fast?
Ashley writes “I just started playing flute again after a 2 year break without playing at all. I played in the Symphony in college and believe that my technique is still there (for the most part, at least), but I have completely lost my tone. Any suggestions on how to get it back fast?Thanks!Ashley”
Flute Pickups
Brooks Blanchard writes “I play an Emerson open hole with a b foot. I’ve looking for this flute pickup from Aungles since i saw one in N.Y. last year. They even had a web site but I can’t find it under any of the expected addresses. It sounded good live and the woman playing it said that it was under $100. Do you know anything about this or is there another pickup that you would recomend for loud stage situations.”
Flutter tounging
A good place to start would be this website.I think of more of the rolling of R’s. Or, if your explaining this to a younger person, a machine gun type sound, or a purring type sound. All of these are made by using your uvula.It’s going to take practice anyway you look at it. It is not an easy concept for some people.