How to Identify Common Flute Problems

When you start playing the flute, you may run across a few difficulties with your sound. Once you recognize the possible problems, you can work on solutions. Follow these tips to identify common flute problems that can be solved easily.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take breaks if you find you get dizzy when you play. You aren't used to blowing into an instrument and you may be blowing too hard.
2. Rest your hands if you find them getting sore. You aren't used to exercising your fingers and hands. Your wrists might get sore from the position of your arms.
3. Change the position of your mouth if you aren't hearing a sound when you blow into the flute.
4. Form the correct embouchure if you get a blowing sound but not a musical tone. You may be holding your mouth incorrectly and blowing into the flute instead of across it.
5. Line up the flute pieces if you can't position your fingers properly on the flute. You may have one section misaligned.
6. Press the keys down firmly and make sure the back hole is covered if the notes don't sound right. You may have to check that the cork padding under the keys has not come off.
7. Check that you have put the flute together correctly if you aren't getting any sound at all. Make sure you are blowing into the correct end.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask another flute player if you run into a difficulty that you can't diagnose.
• Don't force your flute pieces together if they get stuck. Just push them in gently.