FLUTE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Version 2.2
Revision Date - July 24, 2008

Index

Go Directly To The Questions

1.1 Introduction.

This FAQ may be retrieved by following the directions in 1.5.1 FLUTE FILES. Mail comments and suggestions to FLUTE List Managers.

This FAQ list was originally created by David Dahl with content provided by subscribers to the FLUTE list. The purpose of this FAQ is to cover topics of demonstrated interest to FLUTE subscribers and give a jump-start to new members. Hopefully this will provide a well of useful and interesting information for flute players and serve to open discussion on FLUTE to topics which have not been thoroughly explored. Presence on the FLUTE FAQ is not meant to exclude a topic for further discussion, but to serve as a starting point.

1.2 The FLUTE list.

FLUTE is an unmoderated mailing list devoted to flute related matters. All topics related to both professional and amateur flute playing will be warmly accepted. Flute players, teachers, students, makers, repair technicians, and anyone with an interest in the flute are encouraged to participate. The list (including this welcome message) is under construction, and comments to the list owners are welcome.

This list is managed by Larry Krantz (freelance flute player/teacher, Abbotsford, BC, Canada), Nelson Pardee (Syracuse University, Computing & Media Services), List Monitor John Rayworth.

1.3 Copyright Issues

The FLUTE FAQ is intended for the personal use of FLUTE list subscribers. Any other use, such as a selection from the FAQ for publication must be approved by the managers of the FLUTE list and FAQ. Send such requests via email to Larry Krantz

By joining FLUTE, members agree to have any postings to the list archived (they are currently stored on listserv.syr.edu), and that postings may be used as a part of normal list activity (e.g., they may be included in someone's response to your post), and they may be used in the FLUTE FAQ.

This does not imply assignment of rights under copyright law; it is also understood that copyright law governs fair use of FLUTE list postings. If you cannot agree to these provisions, please unsubscribe. If your signature line limits the use of your postings, you may NOT belong to FLUTE and should unsubscribe (an example: a signature saying your postings may not be archived or reposted). Disclaimer: this is not a legal statement (we're not lawyers), but meant to notify FLUTE participants that list operation implies certain activities which you agree to.

1.4 Subscription procedures

Send the message SUB FLUTE Your Name (replace your own name here)
Send that message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU

1.5 FLUTE resources

1.5.1 FLUTE Files.
These are text files available by email as described below.

1.5.1.1 Summary descriptions of FLUTE files.

1.5.1.1.1 FLUTE Welcome Message:
Contains list commands and other useful information that may allow you to solve various list problems and answer many of your questions.

1.5.1.1.2 Stolen Flutes List:
Contains an up to date listing of flutes and piccolos that have been reported as stolen. Also contains instructions regarding how to report a stolen flute or a located one. List members are encouraged to distribute this list as widely as possible with the hope that this list will have some effect on the retrieval of stolen flutes.

1.5.1.1.4 Flute Professor Roster:
This list has been compiled through submissions from FLUTE list members. It is not intended to reflect any preference to particular flute professors or to be considered a complete listing of all flute professors. Further contributions are welcome.

1.5.1.1.5 Sacred Music for Flute:
The list of sacred music was contributed by the members of FLUTE. The categories included are: Collections, Descants/Obbligatos, Individual Solo Pieces, and Pieces for Two or More Flutes. The list is not intended to be exhaustive and further contributions are welcome. Only music that is scored specifically for flute is included. Sacred vocal works that can be played on flute and scores for "C instruments" are not listed, for example. A list of publishers that specialize in sacred music publications is included and the user of this list is encouraged to explore them further for creative ideas.

1.5.1.1.8 FLUTE Memorial
A list to commemorate and remember fellow flutists who have died.

1.5.1.1.9 FLUTE Scholarships
A list of scholarships and awards that are available to flute players as submitted by members of FLUTE.

1.5.1.1.10 FLUTE Vendors List
A list of flute vendors that has been submitted by members of FLUTE.

1.5.1.1.12 FLUTE FAQ
This document.

1.5.1.2 HOW TO GET YOUR COPY:

Send all messages to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
*Note: remove all signatures and place nothing else in the body of the message.

Send all messages to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU

*Note: remove all signatures and place nothing else in the body of the message.

2.1.0 Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question to go directly to the FAQ Entry.

2.1.1 Why does my flute go out of adjustment?

2.1.2 What is the Alexander Technique

2.1.3 What are alternate fingerings?

2.1.4 How can I improve my articulation?

2.1.5 What is a bass flute?

2.1.6 What are Bo-Pep's?

2.1.7 Other ways of improving comfort:

2.1.8 Flute Books & Publications

2.1.9 Tips on breathing

2.1.10 Developing tone

2.1.11 What is a donut?

2.1.12 Embouchure

2.1.13 Glossary

2.1.14 What is a Fake book?

2.1.15 Flutist or flautist?

2.1.16 What is the difference btween a student flute and a professional flute?

2.1.17 What sizes of flutes are available?

2.1.18 Who are the Haynes brothers?

2.1.19 How to choose a flute

2.1.20 Insurance

2.1.21 Who are some good Jazz flutists?

2.1.22 What material makes the best flute?

2.1.23 How can I learn to memorize?

2.1.24 How do I reach the National Flute Association (NFA)?

2.1.25 Which is better, Offset or In-Line G?

2.1.26 Old flutes.

2.1.27 What kind of flute option is best, open or closed hole?

2.1.28 How can I find listserv lists for other instruments?

2.1.29 Performance Anxiety/Stage Fright.

2.1.30 How does 19th C. Performance Practice differ from that of today?

2.1.31 How has the pitch standard evolved?

2.1.32 Practice Tips.

2.1.33 The Rush.

2.1.34 What are scales?

2.1.35 Sightreading tips.

2.1.36 What computer software is available for musicians?

2.1.37 What are Straubinger pads?

2.1.38 How can I find a flute teacher?

2.1.39 Teaching tips.

2.1.40 Tonguing/Articulation Tips.

2.1.41 How should trills be executed?

2.1.42 What does the C# trill key do?

2.1.43 Is it a good idea to practice with a tuner?

2.1.44 Vibrato tips.

2.1.45 What are Whistle Tones?

2.1.46 Will braces affect my playing?

2.1.47 What do you do on bad playing days?

2.1.48 How do you adjust the screw thing on the headjoint?

2.1.49 How can I improve my high notes?

2.1.50 Do masterclasses have any real value?

2.1.51 Are performance exams fair and of any value?

2.1.52 How high should the music stand be when playing?

2.1.53 Are there national schools of tone quality?

2.1.54 Should one practice standing up or sitting?

2.1.55 When is it legal to copy music in the Public Domain?

2.1.56 What is the Split-E option?

2.1.57 Teaching Scales.

2.1.58 What advantage does the B flat lever have over the F natural key?

2.1.59 What are the pros and cons of a winged headjoint?

2.1.60 Lessons without a flute.

2.1.61 How can I learn to play jazz on the flute?

2.1.62 What to do for a slippery flute.

2.1.63 What material is best for piccolo, plastic, wood, or silver?

2.1.64 What can I do when my lips tremble?

2.1.65 Teaching musicality.

2.1.66 Urtext vs. Scholarly Editions.

2.1.67 What does "Open G#" mean?

2.1.68 Which controls dynamics, air speed or amount?

2.1.69 Breathing Bag Tips.

2.1.70 Publicity Tips: Getting the word out.

2.1.71 Sources of information on 19th century performance practices.

2.1.72 Suggestions for getting students.

2.1.73 What are Long Tones?

2.1.74 What is the best music lyre to use while marching?

2.1.75 Teaching rhythm with words.

2.1.76 Can a teacher be too good to teach beginners?

2.1.77 Prescription for tightness and pain in the jaw.

2.1.78 Should flutists exercise?

2.1.79 The importance of teaching rhythm.

2.1.80 What is Bansuri flute?

2.1.81 How is "drawn" or "extruded" tubing made? Is it as good as seamed tubing?

2.1.82 Should I learn circular breathing?

2.1.83 What exactly are the criteria for a piece being "French conservatory"?

2.1.84 How to choose a piccolo.

2.1.85 Are there differences among makes of flute pads?

2.1.86 How much should the headjoint be turned, in or out?

2.1.87 Where can I find Flute clip art?

2.1.88 Can anyone recommend some pieces that are good for college auditions?

2.1.89 What is a good source of orchestral excerpts?

2.1.90 Where to go for help with injuries affecting flute playing.

2.1.91 What is the best method for fixing sticky pads, dollar bills?

2.1.92 Is Vaseline okay for lubricating the flute tenons?

2.1.93 Suggestions for teaching double-tonguing.

2.1.95 Where do I find information about flute competitions?

2.1.96 Suggestions about Intonation

2.1.97 Should I go to college or aim for a military band career?

2.1.98 What is the best way to put a flute together?

2.1.99 How to see the Dayton Miller Collection in Washington D.C.

2.1.100 How to prepare for a Flute Convention

2.1.101 How can one remember interval tuning adjustments?

2.1.102 Where Can I find information about making flute CD's?

2.1.103 Suggested Treatment for Chapped Lips?

2.1.104 What about a microphone for amplification of the flute?

2.1.105 Does a Crown and Stopper make a difference?

2.1.106 What digital recorders are good for recording flutes?

End of FAQ

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