How in the world can things like pasta and cigarette paper help improve your flute playing?
Yes, you read that right. There are a few unconventional yet effective things you can do that make the difference in your flute playing.
From your tone to your finger technique, these three tips will increase your overall playing ease.
Pasta: The Mouth Molder
A common pitfall for many flutists is tightening up your jaws. When your top teeth and bottom teeth are too close, your tone can sound fuzzy and unsupported. Here’s where pasta comes in. Though it sounds strange, macaroni can help open up your embouchure like never before. Place a small piece of uncooked macaroni close to your molars. Then, play your flute while keeping your jaws open to that width. The purpose is to get your mouth used to staying open while you play, helping with sound production. It’s a great way to get in the habit of maintaining a tall, supported embouchure!
Pinky Grease: The Secret to Sliding
Sometimes, you’ll encounter a piece that has many pinky slides. It can be exhausting moving your finger back and forth between the body of the flute and its foot joint. Especially when a piece requires you to play low E♭ and D♭ in rapid succession, you probably need a solution. That’s where “pinky grease” comes in. Yes, it may sound gross, but it’s definitely worth it! Simply rub your pinky finger between your nose and your eye for just a bit. The oils from your face will make it easy to slide between the right pinky key and the C♯ key by reducing friction. Now, with your finger gliding between the keys, these passages will feel less like a workout and more like one fluid motion.
Cigarette Paper: The Key Cleaner
If your keys ever feel sticky, don’t fret! Whether it’s humidity or spit that has caused the dreaded “sticky keys,” there is an easy way to undo this nightmare. Place a small sheet of cigarette paper under the problematic keys and lightly press each key down. This particular paper works like a charm in removing any residue that might be causing the keys to stick. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your flute playing in top shape, without any professional cleaning required.
Pasta, pinky grease, and cigarette paper might sound like the last things you would associate with fine flute playing, but these niche hacks have certainly proved their worth. With both your flute and mouth now prepped, it’s time to practice!
Ready to start? Contact us to set up your first lesson today!
Call us: (917) 715-6865
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Hi, I’m Devon! I play the flute and enjoy writing music in my free time.