Name: Overcoming Common Issues with Tone on Flute
Uploaded: 2022-01-21T22:29:36.000Z
Duration: 18 min 41 s
Description: In this video I explain common reasons and solutions to an "airy" or "fuzzy" flute tone. I discuss and demonstrate how to get a clear, focused tone that projects well. I also cover how to get more dynamic contrast on the flute and how to tackle leaps!

In this video I explain common reasons and solutions to an "airy" or "fuzzy" flute tone.  I discuss and demonstrate how to get a clear, focused tone that projects well.  I also cover how to get more dynamic contrast on the flute and how to tackle leaps!

Flute

Hello!  I’m Gretchen and my love for flute playing and teaching runs deep!  With over 25 years of experience, I am devoted to teaching flute to students of all ages and all ability levels.  My degrees in music (BA in music education and MM in performance) have provided me with many teaching opportunities.  Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching elementary band in the California public schools, teaching flute and music appreciation at community colleges in Florida, directing a middle school honors flute ensemble, and, of course, teaching private flute lessons! 

Currently, I teach at a school for the arts in Dayton, at my studio in Kettering, and with the New Horizons Program through the University of Dayton.  My greatest passion is working with beginning flute students.  Whether it’s adult beginners in the New Horizons Program, the very young child in a KinderFlute class, or an advanced middle/high school student……there is nothing more rewarding than being able to share the joy of learning a musical instrument with someone new.  I encourage you to find your voice, tell your story, and share your GIFT!

Overcoming Common Issues with Tone on Flute 

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Intermediate

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The National Flute Association, founded in 1972, is the largest flute organization in the world. Approximately 5,000 members from more than 50 countries join together in person, online, at conventions, informally and in forums, through publications and classrooms, in performance, in friendship and collegiality. Guided by its goals to encourage a higher standard of artistic excellence for the flute, its performers, and its literature, members include leading soloists, orchestral players, jazz and world music performers, teachers, adult amateurs, and students of all ages.

Sigma Alpha Iota is a professional International Music Fraternity for women. Formed to uphold the highest standards of music and to further the development of music in America and throughout the world, it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public.Sigma Alpha Iota operates its own national philanthropy, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.

The Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) is a coalition of teachers, parents, educators, and others who are interested in making music education available to all children. The SAA provides programs and services to members throughout North and South America.

I have taught beginning band in southern California with the Westside Union School District.  I taught music appreciation at Pensicola Junior College and flute lessons at Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida.

Adjunct Faculty

English

Hello!  I’m Gretchen and my love for flute playing and teaching runs deep!  With over 25 years of experience, I am devoted to teaching flute to students of all ages and all ability levels.  My degrees in music (BA in music education and MM in performance) have provided me with many teaching opportunities.  Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching elementary band in the California public schools, teaching flute and music appreciation at community colleges in Florida, directing a middle school honors flute ensemble, and, of course, teaching private flute lessons! 
Currently, I teach at Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, at my studio “GIFT” in Kettering, and with the New Horizons Program through the University of Dayton.  My love for all things flute shines through in my work.  Whether you are a beginner or an advanced flutist looking to advance to the next level, I would love the opportunity to work with you.  I encourage you to find your voice, tell your story, and share your gift!

Our son began taking lessons with Gretchen starting the summer of 2016.  She was his first flute instructor and we are glad he started out with her.  In addition to her just being a great teacher, the opportunities she offers really increase the value of her as an instructor.  The idea of learning to critique and be critiqued, performing in front of live audiences through GIFT, and having classes with other known instructors allow the students to improve general musicianship as well as flute playing.

Gretchen is a fantastic teacher. She is always encouraging and patient. Very good at listening and clearly explains all aspects of playing the flute.

I am a lifelong musician (sax) who wanted to learn to play the flute and began by taking lessons from Gretchen.  She is a terrific, experienced teacher and performer. She is an incredible musician and has a wide range of students ranging from young children to senior citizens (me as well as others) with a wide span of ability, skills and knowledge …beginners (me again) to very accomplished, experienced musicians.  Gretchen is very adaptable and can effectively teach at all levels.  She connects with her students and establishes excellent relationships with all.  She is relaxed but focused, very positive and complimentary but can be gently critical when necessary.  She’s cheerful, patient, optimistic and enthusiastic.  Her lessons never get boring but are fun and fresh as she varies the focus of them, teaching basics, technical aspects and musical interpretation.  She is great at managing any frustrations a student might experience and always celebrates their accomplishments and successes.  And one of my favorite things is that somehow she always makes me feel good about my playing as we finish our lessons wether they be on-line or in person.  Never boring…always encouraging…Gretchen is a great teacher.  I’m lucky I found her.

Ms. Gretchen is a very knowledgeable and highly skilled flutest and provides excellent instruction to my 13 yo.  She is very positive, encouraging and supportive (not critical and punitive) during her session which I value as a parent because I want my child to develop a lifelong appreciation of music. My child has "fun" during sessions and has improved significantly under the tutelage of Ms. Gretchen!

Gretchen German is an amazing instructor. She is so patient and kind. My daughter has grown leaps and bounds taking lessons from her. We started in person and then went to online with covid and she never skipped a beat!

In this video I share with you how to properly tune your instrument when playing with an ensemble and how to work on playing in tune on your own in the practice room.

Playing in Tune!

In this video I cover how to find and create the three types of minor scales: natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor.  Before watching this video is recommended that you have a good grasp of your major scales and your chromatic scale.  

Minor Scales

Flutist are often called upon to play fast passages in our music.  In this video I provide multiple ways to breakdown a tricky passage and get it up to speed!  

Fast Fingers and Tricky Runs

Playing the flute takes a lot of air!  Knowing how to breathe and use the air efficiently is essential to being a great flutist.  In this video I discuss how to take in a deep breath, plan your breathing in your music, and make efficient use of the air.  

Breathing!

Double tonguing allows us to articulate passages quicker!  In this video I will explain the mechanics of double tonguing on the flute, provide several exercises for working on double tonguing, and give tips on overcoming common problems when learning how to double tongue.

Double Tonguing!

In this video I provide exercises for developing a beautiful and flexible vibrato.  I discuss what is happening when we play with vibrato, how to get even vibrato waves, and when and how to use them in our music.

Vibrato!

Does nervousness prevent you from giving your best performance?  In this video, Gretchen will cover some techniques to help you mentally prepare yourself for performance.  With the right mindset, you can learn to overcome performance jitters and give your best performance!

Overcoming Performance Anxiety

Do you wish you could play faster?  Learning familiar patterns that occur in music is one way to increase your finger speed.  In this video I will introduce you to arpeggios and thirds and how to practice them!

Arpeggios and Thirds!

Playing from memory can seem overwhelming!  In this video I walk you through the steps to make memorization quicker and easier!  

Playing from Memory!

If you are looking to improve your playing, get faster fingers, and memorize music more efficiently then you want to start by learning your 12 Major Scales!  Here is my approach to learning these scales and playing them from memory.  

How to Learn the 12 Major Scales

Are you looking to improve your sight-reading skills?  Here some tips and tricks to help you be successful the very first time you a play a song!  You've got this!

Gretchen G.