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July 28th, 2012

7/28/2012

Okay, I may be a little obsessive about our website. I can't seem to stop building pages.

In the course of sharing with our colleagues and students, Beth and I have gathered a few favorite YouTube Videos. Our new page, "Recommended Video" is a repository for those inspirational and creative videos that find their way to the top of the infinite amount of uploaded (and mostly mediocre at best) material.

Please enjoy. AND if you happen to have a favorite video of a performance or something instructional, please email us the link.

B

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Wood is Good!

7/23/2012

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See that button over on the right entitled "Wood is Good"? Click on it to find pictures of my colleagues who perform on wood flutes. Please email me with any images, websites or contact information regarding wood flutes and flutists who play upon them.

Many thanks!

B

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July 22nd, 2012

7/22/2012

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A couple of years ago, Beth introduced to me a new concept that she found on the internet. I pooh-poohed it at first glance, but then, being Bill, I had to at least turn over the rock and found out what it was all about.

The exercise involves putting a chopstick in between your teeth and attempting to play the flute. It takes a couple of minutes to redevelop a sound, but for some players, it is the answer to their embouchure issues. The destruction of the natural or formed opening by the offending piece of wood allows, and demands rethinking of how we form our embouchures.

The chopstick holds your teeth apart. The corners of your embouchure must be reformed in front of the chopstick. All focusing of the airstream done in the throat and mouth is undone by the disruption. The airstream must be refocused in front of the chopstick, which is less than 1/2 inch.

The end result is that the quantity of airstream necessary to form an acceptable tone is greater. Solid corners are formed to focus this airstream. These are all good things, especially for those individual flutists who have unfocused sounds. However it also helps those with closed throats and teeth by forcing them to use more unimpended air to produce an acceptable tone.

This exercise can be applied to any piece, but works best with more lyric music. Articulation is possible, but because of the interference of the stick, seems to be ineffective as a remedy for problems. My suggestion is that flutists give this a try, but not to do it more than 3 to 5 minutes per day.

The chopstick exercise is certainly is not an end all! If you find me performing with a chopstick in my mouth, please call a paramedic. I will need to be observed!

Please email me if you have any questions regarding this exercise.

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July 04th, 2012

7/4/2012

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I have been contemplating recent setbacks in my life over the last couple of weeks. Although I have been able to bring some rational thoughts to the situation and bring about action, it still haunts me.

Students come to music lessons for various reasons. Some are more self-actualized than others. As a teacher, I find that one of the first orders of business is helping students to deal with their self doubts. The flute and lessons becomes a vehicle for some to learn to work out their issues. As performers, we need to be at least a step or two ahead of our self doubts. It can be as simple as opening the case. It can be as difficult as deconstructing one's self and then beginning the long task of reassembly.   And, the job is never done. It is a life fact that we need to assess upon occasion and bring ourselves upright.

So learning the flute, be it at a student, amateur or professional level, is about problem solving.   Showing up on time, with right equipment and a good attitude is a great start. Opening up our minds to develop deeper thoughts about the physics of flute playing, the depth and beauty of music, and our own inner workings may take time.

I tell my students that problem solving is about understanding how the small bits fit into the larger whole. So, its about "baby steps", such as learning how to connect two notes beautifully. Much of this learning takes place outside the flute lesson in individual practice routines. A good teacher helps the student find their pathway to understanding themselves through developing their skills.

So, it seems necessary to address the mental and emotional stumbling blocks that we place before ourselves. For instance, I have never been bowling. Although I have heard that it is great fun, I am afraid of looking foolish.   If it becomes necessary to learn how to bowl, I will set aside my pride and learn the sport.

Problem solving in music can be broken down into smaller bits:

1. Identify the issue. If it doesn't feel right, most likely it is not. Additionally, one can not assume that anything is right. Constant assessment is imperative.

2. Isolate and repair the issue. (Go bowling!) Boil it down to two notes. Play it MUCH slower. Add a few notes on either end until the whole phrase is done. Did you inflect it the way you wanted? If not, look at how you want to develop the phrase.

3. Reinsert the phrase. Does it work with what is on either side? Does it fit into the bigger architecture?

Problem solving in real life may be more abstract. Try to eliminate the emotional aspects to see what is the true issue. Take the proper time to analyze all the perspectives. Find a way to move past the problem and then take the necessary steps to progress in the future.

Standing still is not an option.

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July 01st, 2012

7/1/2012

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July 01st, 2012

7/1/2012

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By now, everyone must know that I play wooden flutes, specifically those made by Chris Abell. I am quite fond of the response, tone color and flexibility, especially in the upper register. The smoothness of the legato is what initially sold me on these instruments. Chris's instruments are exceptionally well-made. He is constantly improving his flutes, but lately, he has made some fantastic head joints.

Wood flutes are still a little on the "fringe", but they are becoming more in vogue. If you have any photos of flutists who are performing on wood, or wish to ask a question or make a comment, please do so.

Bill

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July 28th, 2012

Wood is Good!

July 22nd, 2012

July 04th, 2012

July 01st, 2012

July 01st, 2012

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