How to Blow Into a Pan Flute

Pan flutes create unique, whispy melodies.

The pan flute is a musical instrument that was played by ancient civilizations and is still played today. The instrument consists of bamboo or cane reeds that are tied together. The reeds are joined in order of length, though sometimes they may have different widths as well. Today, some pan flutes are made from plastic, wood and metal. These instruments are used in folk music settings alongside other wind instruments such as the harmonica or mouth organ.

Instructions

1. Hold the pan flute with both hands so that one hand is curved around the side of the flute and the other is curved loosely around the bottom. Line the flute up so that it is parallel to your head. Practice keeping it in this position as you move your head around. Stay relaxed as you sit or stand.

2. Practice saying the word "who," then move on to whispering the word. Finally, simply move your lips as if you were saying "who."

3. Lift the pan flute so that the first reed is very near to your lips. Do not rest your lips on the reed, but simply let your lips hover near the top of it. Move your lips into position, as if you want to say the word "who." Keep your lips positioned this way and breathe out into the reed, gently at first, then more forcefully until a sound comes from the pan flute.

4. Practice blowing into the reed, making your note sound louder and softer as you blow more and less forcefully. Move your lips over to other reeds and blow through those as well using the same method.

References

• Pan Flute 101: Free Pan Flute Lessons and More