Many students beginning on an instrument have hopes and dreams that they will discover they are a natural and learn rapidly. If you are one of these students, it’s a good idea if you take notes here to find out the tricks to learning how to progress quickly on the flute.
1. Start with a really good instrument that is in really good shape.
Take this advice from someone who learned on subpar instruments for their first few years. It made lightyears of a difference when the quality flute came along. True.
2. Keep said flute in amazing condition.
No matter how hard you work and practice on the flute, your efforts could be thwarted by a leaking pad or slow mechanism. Take your flute in once in awhile to an a-m-a-z-i-n-g-l-y good technician. A local band teacher will not do. Also, learning how to assemble and disassemble your flute properly will keep it in great condition.
3. Commit to scheduling time in your life for this new hobby/skill.
There are so many people who ‘wish’ they could play the flute well, but actually don’t take time out of their regular lives to work on it. This, my friends, will keep your dreams of playing the flute just as that…a dream.
4. Find a truly great flute instructor to work with regularly.
Many of you don’t live in an area where you have the luxury of an advanced flute teacher just around the corner. It’s often important to realize that you may have to drive a few hours weekly to get what you really need. I have created this website LearnFluteOnline.com just for this reason. I’m happy to provide you with ‘real’ flute skills that you can work on from your own area.
5. Listen to amazing recordings and attend concerts of all sorts.
Music in one of those heavenly, tangible arts that both motivates and inspires all people from all walks of life. Once you have recognized this, you’ll notice that watching another musician craft their skill feels really good, and inspires you to find your own greatness. For example, I found a young saxophone musician playing his heart out this past summer in Portugal. I was taken back by how effortless he made it sound. I stayed (and stared) for a long time in that alleyway. Then I took all the Euros I had in my purse and handed them to him. Wow. I am still inspired by his informal concert in the ally by the pier.
6. Do your best to learn everything so well that it is second nature to you.
Memorizing everything, and playing everything you can get your hands on (in your level) will do wonders for your muscle memory. Making as many skills into habit as possible will help you be able to concentrate on only the new skills at hand.
7. Get feedback as often as possible.
Listen to yourself by audio and video recording weekly. You’ll figure out a lot of things by doing this. All great athletes watch film of both their competitors and themselves. It’s one way of teaching yourself to ‘see’ and ‘feel’ details you may not have noticed before. Also, ask your family, friends, neighbors, and teachers to check-out your progress. They’ll admire you for your effort and applaud your progress. Feels Good!
