Would I play better flute if I got more cardio exercise?

Question:I am a beginner and I am struggling to learn how to hold a whole note. I run out of breath. Do I need to improve my lung capacity or is there just a trick to it?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am a beginner and I am struggling to learn how to hold a whole note. I run out of breath. Do I need to improve my lung capacity or is there just a trick to it?

That's my weakness as well... Flute is my first wind instrument ever and, while I get good tone and have an excellent range, I have issues with getting enough air and using it properly.

My flute teacher has taught me several techniques to help me improve the muscles involved with playing flute. The first one she told me was to take a straw, stick it in milk, and blow some bubbles, but to use as little air as possible. To help me with breathing deeper, she had me lie on my back with my hands on my stomach and take some deep breaths.

For general endurance (this will also help with tone and range), my flute teacher has me do long tones as warm up. What you do is start at a note you're comfortable with (such as Bb) and play it until your lungs are completely empty. Then you play it again for a second and slur up or down to the next note until your lungs are empty again (you can practice scales or chromatics with this). Keep going up and/or down in this manner and you'll be able to play longer without getting as dizzy. ^^

Hi, I'm DAZ3626

I think it's bit of both actually. I am not a flautist myself, but i have heard there is a knack to the way you hold your mouth and the way you breathe out. Sorry i can't be of more help :(

I am a pianist however, if you need any help with that lol

Its primarily how you breathe & how you use the air you have.
"Air support" is using the muscles in the diaphram (lower belly) to keep the energy of the air moving well.

Try this experiment; go outside and run around your block until you are brething really hard, feel the way your belly & lungs move? Thats what you need to do consciously when you play.

There is an inherent problem with the flute in that half your air goes into the instrument & the other half goes across the mouthpiece. I personally feel that it takes more air to get a great sound on flute than on tuba!