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FLUTE LAB

The

A collection of online resources to help you investigate your own playing!

Listen to the masters

Besides your regular practice and lessons, it's important to listen and learn often from the incredible master flutists.

 

There are so many recordings and resources on the internet. These are a couple of my favorites. Stay tuned for updates, and enjoy exploring!

Lorna McGhee: Sonorous Sound

This performance of Lorna McGhee (Principal Flute, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) is a great example of keeping the sound alive and flowing.

Listen for: 

  • how her sound sings

  • the dynamic range

  • the direction of her phrases

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Herbie Mann: Jazz and Flair

Flute is used in virtually every genre of music, and one of the jazz greats is Herbie Mann. 

Listen for: 

  • how he uses rhythm for character

  • the texture of his articulation

  • how his sound is different from Ms. McGhee and Ms. Jennings

(Check out his posture too. I do not recommend doing what he does with his right shoulder!)

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Christina Jennings: Fierce and Fiery

In "Double Espresso" by Carter Pann, Christina Jennings (Flute Professor, University of Colorado Boulder) showcases fast fingerings and a powerhouse sound. 

Listen for: 

  • evenness in her fingers

  • powerful low register

  • expressive vibrato

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Denis Bouriakov: Tone and Technique

This a stunning display of the virtuosity of the flute. Denis Bouriakov's (Prinicpal Flute, Los Angelos Philharmonic) technique and sound and incredibly fluid. 

Listen for: 

  • amazing breath control

  • soaring sound

  • easy sounding octaves

*start at 6:22 if you want to get to the really impressive stuff right away:)

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youtube channels & videos

The following YouTube channels are some of the best I've found for fundamental topics. They're clear, engaging, and just darn good information as you're getting started. 

The Flute Practice

Sample Video: How to Hold the Flute

A great introduction or reminder for how to balance the awkward flute and find a hand position that is comfortable and functional. 

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Just Another Flutist

Sample Video: Vibrato

Her videos are just as entertaining as they are informative. Highly recommend this one if you haven't learned about vibrato before!

If you do know about vibrato, check out this video from world-renowned violinist Augustin Hadelich to go a little more in-depth. 

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The Flute Channel

Sample Video: 
Basic Embouchure

This video is quick and to the point, and provides good information about how balancing the flute plays into your sound. 

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The Flute Academy with Jane Cavanaugh

Sample Video: How to Stop Running Out of Air

A simple and effective video for better breath control, describing five common mistakes that cause you to waste air. 

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more links...

Flutronix is an amazing flute duo based in Brooklyn, NY. Their music is super fun and usually features groovy electronics. 

Jennifer Cluff is a Canadian flutist with an extensive website full of articles on flute playing and practicing. You can probably spend a whole afternoon exploring her resources. 

Jennifer Keeney is based in Texas and has tons of creative practice ideas. Check out the "Precision and Flow" exercise on her homepage for a quick boost to your technique!

want more?

Let me know! Contact me for a free trial flute lesson, or email with questions about the flute and what you want to learn more about. 

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