Embedded Files
Practice Techniques
Practice Techniques
These techniques are used commonly used by beginning and experienced musicians to develop technical facility on their instrument. These techniques will aid any musician in quickly learning fingerings, scales, and any other difficult passages they encounter. Flutes often have more notes than other sections of the band, so they need to be able to work independently to quickly learn their parts. The video below explains and demonstrates each practice technique.
Slow Motion: This is the most common practice technique. Simply play the passage as slow as needed in order to accurately and comfortably play your part. Increase speed with each successful repetition until the desired tempo is reached.
Air and Finger: Instead of working on playing and fingering simultaneously, simply air and finger through your part. Removing one aspect of playing is a great way to focus on the more difficult parts of any passages. You can also just finger through your part. Add in air and tone production as you get more comfortable.
Additive: Pick a small section and start with one note only. Then play two notes. If successful, play three notes. Only add a note once you're comfortable with the notes you already have. Complete this process until you have the entire passage down.
Change It: Changing the articulation pattern or rhythms can help your brain process the material. It also helps to keep the practice new and interesting.
Isolation: Working on large passages is important, but don't solely play entire pieces or phrases. Often times, there are only a few tricky spots that need more repetitions that the rest. Use your other techniques on those spots to quickly learn the whole section.
Finale note: Research shows that a combination of different practice techniques is the most efficient and effective way to learn music. Using one technique alone will not ensure success and will get boring. Try these strategies on the exercises below.
Bb Scale Pattern
Bb Scale Pattern
Remember to go as slow as you need to be successful and work up to faster tempos.
Ab Scale Pattern
Ab Scale Pattern
Remember to keep your aperture focused as you ascend. Try this slurred and tongued.
Remember to apply Db in the key signature. Use your special Db techniques outlined in the previous lesson.
Eb Scale Pattern
Eb Scale Pattern
Make sure your left pointer finger is not pressed down whenever you play Eb and D at the top of the staff. Isolate those moments to ingrain the habit.
Bb Scale in Thirds
Bb Scale in Thirds
Keep your fingers "close to home" for these exercises.
A large breath and proper posture will be needed in order to play these exercises in one breath.
Ab Scale in Thirds
Ab Scale in Thirds
Remember Db's.
Isolated and additive practice would be helpful for this exercise.
Eb Scale in Thirds
Eb Scale in Thirds
Make sure your left pointer finger is pressed down for low Eb and D. Otherwise you will not be able to play the lower notes.
Try airing and fingering this exercise to get your fingers comfortable first. Then add tone production and focus on getting a quality sound. (Note: tone production in the low register is discussed here).
Faster Scales
Faster Scales
As your music becomes more difficult, you'll start to see more 16th note passages like the one on the right. Don't panic! Use your practice techniques above and you'll become more comfortable with runs like this one.
Bonus hint: many times the more complicated passages are just scales. Learn all 12 major and minor scales and you won't need to practice as much!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse