Long Tones & Remingtons

Tone Development

Developing fundamental tone is one of the single most important things to practice as a flute player. Utilize the exercises in this lesson to learn the approach to developing tone.

Breathing, Tone, and Technique Fundamentals should be practiced daily for the best results.

Concert F Long Tones

1. Set your metronome to 88

2. Set up with good posture

3. Take a deep, band breath in time (preferably over two counts)

4. Set your embouchure

5. Articulate your sound with a clear “tooh” start. A great articulation should not be overly hard. Think about using just enough tongue to make the sound happen. If you find you are “accenting” the start of your sound, lighten your tongue.

6. Sustain the sound for the full number of counts, ensuring to release with a resonant sound on count 1. Remember to NOT change your embouchure or stop sound with your tongue.

Focus on keeping a steady and focused airstream to produce a clear, block of sound. The sound should start, sustain and end the same. Work on this daily to practice developing consistent tone.

Descending Remingtons

Follow the same steps as you did for the concert F long tones exercise to become ready to play the exercise.

Remember to breath deeply, set your embouchure, and keep it set while directing a consistent air stream to get your best possible sound! Try to start every note perfectly in time - line up your tongue, air, and fingers with a metronome to make this happen.