Customer Reviews

The Art of Flute Playing

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The Art of Flute Playing is a definite must-have for all aspiring flautists, young and old. As a professional for 10 years now, and a current flute teacher/tutor, I strongly recommend this book to all my students. The Art of Flute Playing covers practically every aspect of playing the flute - from the very basics to the very technical - this book caters to every level of flute playing. Even today, I constantly refer to it every once in a while. Go, buy it.

This book is, by far, one of the best I have found on actual physiological considerations in flute playing. The author is complete in his detailed descriptions of the irksome and oft times unanswered flute challenges such as tone quality and high register issues. He provides realistic and straightforward solutions. He examines, diagnoses and treats embouchure problems like a skilled, and patient physician.

He truly shares his expertise and instruction in flute. He picks up where the local band and orchestra teacher falls short.

I am very very happy with this book. His solutions offer immediate results and this is very satisfying. Unfortunately, there are not more books out there like this one.

Most method books offer little, if any REAL flute-specific information. Rather, we are subjected to mix and match titles on generic, mass-printed pages.

The introduction pages alone, on care and selection of flute, provide more information than most 'method' books with their series and sequels combined.

This book will not bore you with more folk songs, polkas, or sing along tapes. This text finally offers some real information and instruction from an articulate and expert master of flute.

If you really want to develop as a flute player, this is a great book to have in your library.

The author is a flute professor from Arizona State University, a recitalist, clinician, member of a Quintet. For the SERIOUS Flutist who wishes to perfect advanced techniques set out in detail in Part Two with exercises & drills for practice and mastery. The beginner could purchase ahead of the curve and focus on the essential basics set out in Part One. A hidden unassuming gem, an affordable one at that. This edition 1970 - a new classic.

The Art of Flute Playing comprises:

Part 1 (or 30% of the book) is dedicated to addressing the Basic Principles & Pedagogy
Ch 1 - The Instrument: Family. Selection. Maintenance
Ch 2 - Playing Position: Assembly. Hand. Arm. Finger Positions
Ch 3 - Basic Embouchure. Use of jaw. Intonation
Ch 4 - Basic Articulation: Single. Multiple
Ch 5 - Breath Control: Principal technique. Basic phrasing. Vibrato
Ch 6 - Beginning INstruction: Sequence & Technique. Correcting Common Problems. Additional Precautions. Basic Fingering Chart

Part 2 (70%) is dedicated to addressing aspects of Artist Performance
Ch 7 - Tonal Development: Quality Variety. Harmonics
Ch 8 - Articulation: Varieties of Single Attack. Multiple tonguing
Ch 9 - Technical Dev't: Finger Dexterity. Trills & Tremolos. Altissimo Fingerings. Alternate Fingerings
Ch 10 - Pointers on Performance: Rhythm & Articulation. Phrasing & Interpretation. Use of Vibrato. Intonation in Ensemble. Ornamentation
Ch 11 - Performance on Other Flutes: The Eb flute. The Alto Flute in G. The Bass Flute in C. The Piccolo

Bibliography.

Layout is not as professional as one would like lacking proper margins in parts (obviously an 1970 edition) and does not contain as many illustrations. However, has good textual coverage with exercises to boot. Due to early publication, it does not cover the more advanced modern techniques (beat boxing, pitch bending) rather focusing more on the art of perfecting the Classics.

This is a resource for anyone - beginner, advanced or instructor - with an interest in playing the concert flute. Well thought out and meticulous in detail, the information in here answers questions I didn't know I needed to ask. Regardless of any other books you moght get, this one is a must for any flautist.