This issue: July 2006 (Issue 7)

The Offset Lip Opening


Roger Mather

One of the myths of flute playing is that your lip opening should be at the centre of the lips. However, a richer, warmer, more robust but still sensitive sound can be produced by placing it to one side—particularly to the left. Although some flutists cannot create an opening ‘offset’ to the left, those who can obtain their best results with it. If your opening is centred or to the right of centre you might profit from moving it to the left. If partially or preferably fully left of centre, you may find the instructions below will make it more effective. Subscribe to read the full article

JEAN-PIERRE RAMPAL: A Personal Experience


Ransom Wilson

Rampal was in my opinion the greatest poet of all flutists, and his sold-out audiences were loyal to him throughout his long career. He did not always play perfectly, but he always put every ounce of himself into his performances. And after each concert, in every corner of the globe, he would take all of his friends out to a big celebratory dinner, insisting on paying the entire bill himself. I never heard him utter a single ill word about anyone, and I once asked him about his philosophy of life. He answered simply and directly: “I love everybody, and I assume that they love me. So I am happy.” Subscribe to read the full article

Yoga and the Breath - Uniting the Flutist's Body and Mind


Laura Barron

Introduction

As flutists, we are given the opportunity to develop keen breath awareness. However, we may not realize the full benefits of healthy breathing. Optimal use of our entire respiratory system improves circulation and our immune system. Focused attention on the breath reduces stress, heightens concentration and creates clarity of mind. In order to maximize these benefits, we must practice breath awareness daily, just as we do our scales and tone exercises. The ancient Hindu practice of yoga provides an excellent vehicle for flutists to balance their body and mind through the deepening of the breath. Subscribe to read the full article

What About Embouchures?


Alexa Still

The mystique of the flutists’ lip area is compelling…. I think most of us stare in fascination at any other player whenever we are close enough, trying to decipher what the other player is doing and how it might compare to what we imagine ourselves doing. And I use the word “imagine” in this context quite deliberately; unless you check yourself out in a mirror regularly, your imagination is probably quite different to reality.

Other features & columns


Interest articles:
A Great Ries-son to play Beethoven' by Alisa Willis
The Powerhouse Museum Column by Danielle Eden and Michael Lea
Anthony Ritchies Flute Concerto – How to Play the First Movement by Alexa Still

Columns:
Teaching notes - Helen M Colthart
Jim on Jazz - Jim Langabeer
Irish flute - Brendyn Montgomery
Maori Flutes - Richard Nunns
Dear Ingrid - Ingrid Culliford
Piccolo notes - Rosamund Plummer
Warm Ups - James Kortum

Recent CD & Book reviews
Happenings in the World
Junior section

And more....

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Contact us:

Flute Focus Ltd, 112 Postman Rd, RD 4, Albany 0794, New Zealand
email: mary.obrien@xtra.co.nz