Range of the Flute Family

Flute: C4-C7
Piccolo: D5-C8

Intonation and Tuning of the Flute

● Only adjust from headjoint if flat or sharp
○ If sharp, pull out
○ If flat, push in
● Establish embouchure before getting into to tuning
○ Rolling head joint in or out from under the lip can affect tuning and pitch
● Dynamics can also affect intonation
○ The louder you get, the flatter you become
○ The softer you get, the sharper
○ Avoid this by keeping good air support throughout registers and dynamics
● If flute tends to be out of tune not matter the adjustments made, adjust the headjoint cork
○ Do this by taking the cleaning rod and lining the line in the middle of the
embouchure hole by pushing the cork or unscrewing or screwing the cap at the
end

Common Instrument Repair and Fixes

● Headjoint getting stuck or is hard to adjust
○ Get a cloth and wipe the area
○ NEVER USE CORK GREASE OR OIL
○ If dent is noticed or if it is misshaped, take to get repaired
● Sticky keys
○ Use cigarette paper
○ Don’t pull, tap key and remove when key is open

Common Beginner Problems

● Students don’t use proper posture
● Could be getting an airy sound
○ Not using enough air. Needs more air support
○ Try using coffee straws to blow pom-poms off a music stand
○ Try keeping a piece of paper on the wall using air
 ● Avoid smile embouchure
○ Students will tense up while trying get notes out
○ Remind them to say “pooh” to reset the embouchure

Embouchure Reference

Hand Position
● Hands should be in a relaxed C