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Question: What are some good tips on playing the flute and how to get alot of air supply!?
I'm thinking to switch from the oboe to the flute!. I play the oboe in my band class but it's hard to be heard from 70+ other band students!. We all play good and I play well on the oboe but I want to switch to the flute and try something new!. I rented a flute for one day and it was hard for me to get a steady tone on it!. What are some good tips to get alot of air supply on playing the flute!? I know all the fingerings for the flute already and know how to read music!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
breathe from your diaphragm!. I know everyone says this and it's really hard to relate to, so here are some tips, mostly from exercises we do in my HS marching band!.

When you breathe properly/deeply from your diaphragm:
-your shoulders SHOULDN'T raise
-fill up "like a water balloon": expand from the bottom first
-first practice breathing while lying down: most people naturally breathe from their diaphragm when they are lying down!. pay attention to how your stomach raises instead of your shoulders!.

This is the exercise we do for warm-ups every day for marching band (where breathing and endurance are important because you are running around AND playing!)
-set your metronome for about 108 and breathe in (all the way!) for 4 counts, then out (ALL the way!) for 4 counts!. do this about 10 times!. Then breathe in for 3 counts, out for 3, about 15 times, in for 2 out for 2 about 20 times, and then breathe in all the way in ONE count, and then push ALL the air out in one count, and do this for a minute!.
-place one hand on your stomach and one on your back while you breathe and feel your stomach expand
-keep your mouth open in an "O" while doing these
-you should feel lightheaded when you are done!. put your hands above your head to help you get your breath back!.
-since you're just playing flute, and not in marching band, you can adjust the times for less!. I know it's boring, but it will help!.

Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Practice deep breathing exercisesWww@QuestionHome@Com