How to make a flute less sound ?

Question:Do you mean make it quieter? As in, mute it?

Two ways. Put a small piece of cotton wool in the headjoint. This works well on the low range, but less well at the high pitches where you will wake the neighbours. Alternatively, put a piece of modelling clay on the edge of the embouchure hole, just opposite where you blow.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Do you mean make it quieter? As in, mute it?

Two ways. Put a small piece of cotton wool in the headjoint. This works well on the low range, but less well at the high pitches where you will wake the neighbours. Alternatively, put a piece of modelling clay on the edge of the embouchure hole, just opposite where you blow.

For a lower pitch open your mouth a bit wider & blow slower.

Essentially, FASTER air will make more volume, SLOWER air will make things quieter. Putting THINGS inside the flute (clay, cotton batting, etc.) will only interfere with the production of the tone.

Most of the time, people want to make the flute LOUDER - like when they have a solo with a big band, or a jazz band. For that, there are many ways to amplify the flute, and we professional flutists do not agree - it is a matter of personal preference.