Challenges Flute Players Face – Part I

 

While watching an expert playing the flute, it might appear effortless and easy on the surface. But while the flute is a gorgeous instrument that lends itself to all kinds of music, it is not always easy to master. In fact, beginners will take quite a while to get the knack of blowing so that actual music is produce, and not just sounds. Apart from the physical challenges, there are also other practical challenges to be faced when learning the flute. For more generic information about flutes, check out http://flutelessonssingapore.com/. In this article, we shall see what kind of challenges flute players face and how to overcome them.

Posture problems

While experts have long been trying to find a decent posture that doesn’t lead to major muscle problems later, flutists have been regularly diagnosed with musculoskeletal problems. The main problems are in the neck, shoulders and upper back, which can be caused when you hold the arms up. Even if you hold your arms lower, your neck can be compromised. Fingers and wrists are also problematic, leading to injuries. If you develop any of these physical problems, you might have trouble continuing to play the flute. These problems can also become chronic if you overlook them and become a major source of physical fatigue and pain over time.

Though there is no singular rule to deal with ergonomic issues arising from flute playing, you can learn how to prevent such things. Always, consult a good and experienced flute teacher or even an older player and ask them for help in developing your posture. Learn to relax your muscles while playing the flute in order to avoid muscle fatigue. This needs a good amount of practice, but it is well worth the results.

Breathing problems

Beginners to the flute face another major challenge in being unable to keep up with the playing because they haven’t mastered the breathing techniques. Learning how to breathe properly to enable you to play the flute is very basic to the very concept of flute playing. If you fail to learn how to breathe, you will be unable to sustain the notes for a long time. In the long run, it can even cause respiratory trouble and dizziness. Flutes and other wind instruments really need the most air, and for this, you need to develop proper breathing techniques. Most flutists encounter problems when they begin to learn flute notes that are longer and play long phrases of music without knowing how to ration their breathing. Sometimes, flutists even get very conscious about their breathing and gulp in air to last them through the phrase, but it doesn’t work well like this.

Developing good breathing habits overall can go a long way in reducing any breathing problems you can develop while playing the flute. Learn some deep breathing techniques and practice them every day until it comes naturally to you. The important thing is to ensure that you are not consistently left short of breath when playing the flute. Moreover, it is significant that you learn to assess accurately how to work on your breathing depending on the length of the piece you are playing. It is only with practice and the help of a good teacher that you will be able to overcome this hurdle.

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