Have I mentioned how easy it is to transport yourself to a calm state of mind by practicing long tones?
Pick a note, any note, preferably one from the middle register of the flute, take a relaxed breath, and start playing. Count to ten while playing this note. Play it a few times, trying not to think about its quality. Focus instead on the breathing and blowing ("Breathing in, I calm my body; breathing out, I smile;" or "I count to ten"). After a few times on this note, go to the next note, 1/2 step away, higher or lower. It doesn't matter. What matters is maintaining the calm feeling of breathing in and blowing out. Calming, to be sure, but energizing at the same time. The essence of Baroque flute playing, at least for me, is exactly this contrast of energies. Soft fingers, calm mind, intense musical energy, sharply focused breathing and blowing. Move quickly, don't hurry. Deliberate, organized practice will set you free, musically.
Long tone practice is not drudgery, It is the core or your flute playing. It is the path to good tone, secure intonation, stamina to play an entire recital, and the control of your instrument in the event that your mind temporarily wigs out when you realize everyone out there is listening to you (and ENJOYING what they hear; remember that).
Long tones are your friends.
Long tones. Not just a good idea, it's the law.
Feel free to visit older posts on this blog regarding practice, long tones, and more long tones.
The 20-minute workout
20-minute workout testimonial
Long tones
Practice techniques
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