Hi all

I am new on here so a big hello to everyone.

A quick quesion im doing my grade 8 practical (and theory i know, how foolish) at easter and things are all going quite well, but the highest C im finding quite hard to get out, top B is fine its just the C. I still have a Yamaha 211 but going to get a solid silver head joint at christmas. Do you think that has something to do with it?

any suggestions would be great, thanks

I originally had trouble with the high notes. One way you can improve on the C is by practicing long tones with the high notes and keep working your way up(A,B,C). I don't think the head joint is the problem unless it is damaged in some way. Other than that just keep practicing it and you should eventually get it!

I could only get it beginning my four year of private lessons. And still with difficulties.

Definitely try ascending chromatic longtones to figure out where it is. Be sure you have the right fingerings, amd then remember to use a very accurate airstream rather than one that simply pushes as much air as possible through the instrument. Your embouchure should stay relaxed, but firm, and try angling your air upward slightly more, while at the same time keeping your motuh and throat open for the best possible sound. I have a Yamaha 221 that I used to play, and it does great up to D4, so I don't think the headjoint is likely to be the problem. In any case, the material won't affect how high you can play, or how it sounds when you get up there. That's all about the cut of the embouchure hole, so be sure you're not buying a solid silver head just for the heck of it....make sure it's one that will actually fit you and allow you to grow.

Make sure that your motuh and throat are very open, but that your embouchure hole is rather a flattened oval compared to the more rounded oval shape that you would normally use. Keep your tongue all the way in the bottom of your mouth. And just as was said previously...make sure that your C/C# rollers (or B roller if you have a B foot)are down. On my flute, the high C is so sharp that I use an alternate fingering to get the tuning correct. I play a High B (thumb,LH1,LH3, and 2nd trill key), but I don't use the thumb key. Correct fingering, though, is LH1, LH2, LH3, LHpinky, RH1, C or B roller...good luck...it takes practice and don't forget to get some earplugs if you are practicing that for a long time.

Thanks for all your help guys, i havent been putting the rollers down so that maybe where i was going wrong, i will try that tonight.

Thanks with the headjoint aswell, im going to go a test a few out over christmas so that should all be good.

Thanks again

The head cork is actually in the right position if you were talking to me Micron. I don't know why it is sooo out of tune. I can take my headjoint and put in on another flute and play High C fine and more realistically in tune. I can't wait to get a better flute. I have been saving for a Jack Moore. Out of all the flutes I have tried....his suits me best. Plus he is so affordable! Well, affordable as professional flutes go. I am still saving, though!

-Dennis

Ok...sorry...

-Dennis