Things You'll Need:
- Open-hole/French flute
- Hole plugs (optional)
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Step 1
Hold the flute in the proper position, out to your right, parallel to the floor, with elbows away from your body. Sit up straight.
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Step 2
Cradle flute loosely in your hands with fingers resting gently on the keys.
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Step 3
As you press keys to form the notes, make sure your fingers completely cover the holes, but don't pinch too tightly. This is the key to getting the proper tone. Begin by practicing notes that use the least fingers, such as B. Work your way down to D adding fingers as you get a good tone on each note.
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Step 4
As an alternative, you can purchase plugs that slip into the holes in the keys (see Resources). These plugs are made from plastic or cork and will close the holes so the instrument plays like a regular flute. They are helpful when learning to play an open-hole flute. Slip plugs into holes according to manufacturer's directions.
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Step 5
Practice playing with plugs in. Remove one plug at a time, and practice this way until you can comfortably produce the note corresponding with the removed plug. Remove the next plug and practice until comfortable. Proceed until all plugs are removed.
