3 Differences Between Boehm and Simple System Flutes
I’m often asked about the differences between my two flutes, particularly after concerts when audience members have seen the two side by side on stage. One is a Boehm flute and the other is a simple system flute. There are three primary ways in which these flutes are different, and each difference will affect your approach to the instrument.
3 Tips for Playing Low D on the Irish Flute (Video)
Some of you may have caught my recent article, “3 Tips for Playing Low D on the Irish Flute.” For those who may also find a video walk-through helpful, I recorded a mini-lesson about those 3 low D tips.
3 Tips for Positioning Your Flute Headjoint
Finding the ideal placement for a flute headjoint has important ramifications for intonation and tone quality—and as a result, for ease and enjoyment of playing as well. Positioning of headjoints can often be a matter of personal preference, depending not only on the flute, but on the shape of a player's mouth and the tone quality they wish to achieve. Here are some ideas with which to get started.
3 Tips for Playing Low D on the Irish Flute
One of the questions I am asked most often is how to play that powerful, gritty, dark low D that is so emblematic of Irish traditional flute playing. This is an excellent question, as low D is both the pride and joy of many flute players while also remaining an elusive and tricky beast. In my experience as both teacher and player, three tips in particular can help Irish flutists achieve a great low D.