How to Play a Snake Charmer Flute

Snake charming takes years of practice to perfect.

Snake charming is one of many street performances done in India by villagers to support their families. The flute used by snake charmers is called a pungi. It is typically one to two feet in length and has two reeds emerging from a gourd-like air cavity. One of the reeds is used to create the melody while playing the instrument, while the other produces a drone sound. The most challenging part of playing the pungi is perfecting the art of circular breathing, a technique to keep a constant melody without stopping for breaths.

Things You'll Need

• Pungi

Instructions

Circular Breathing

1. Take a deep breath and begin to play.

2. Puff your cheeks with some air as your breath begins to run out.

3. Push your residual air into the instrument as you take your next breath through your nose.

4. Relax the cheeks and mouth into its normal embouchure position once you get a full breath and continue playing.

Playing the Instrument

1. Experiment with the various tones and pitches on your pungi. Keep in mind that no two pungis ever have the exact same tones.

2. Verify where the pitches of your pungi fall on the chromatic scale if you desire to create recognizable melodies, or listen to some snake charmer music if you wish to create that style of melody.

3. Practice keeping a consistent amount of air as you play your song.

References

• Chandrakantha: Pungi or Bin
• Arizona State University: How Can I Learn Circular Breathing?