2002-11-17 - 3:00 p.m.
I started to learn to play the flute 3 weeks ago, and I want to keep a journal to record my progress.
I posted an ad for a flute teacher at the University of Michigan Music School, and received four replies. I decided to work with Lori Newman.
Lori and my Pasadena friend Anita Gould gave me some suggestions about buying a beginner's flute. I did some internet research and settled for a Yamaha 225SII flute. Then I purchased a used one through eBay ($149.50). More on the flute later.
On the first lesson (10/28/02), I learned to assemble the flute, clean it, hold it, and blow it. I learned three notes: B, A, G.
The second lesson I learned to play F and C. I had to learn not to sing the notes. I used "Breeze-easy Method Flute" by Valentine Anzalone.
The third lesson I played exercises with all the 5 notes I learned before. Then at the end of the lesson, Lori showed me to play the E, and the high E, F, G, A.
My current problems are:
1) I run out of air very quickly and cannot play without breathing for two 4-bar measures. When I take big breath, I get dizzy (like when I blow a balloon). I get tired after 10 minutes of playing. These are probably due to my poor health condition.
2) The high notes are mixed with the low tone, and the low notes are mixed with the high tone, especially when I have to switch between high and low notes. Sometimes I forget how to play the low notes. Sometimes the high notes are mixed with even higher tone.
I am looking to read about the physics and mechanics of the flute, to understand how exactly each note is produced. I believe this will help me with the playing.
I am planning to enter something here everyday about my progress, readings, or just thoughts, about flute.
So much for today.
