It was Micron who suggested that document. I guess he knows the author quite well.

It might be because Micron himself wrote that very wonderful and helpful document.

Have fun, jose luis! Be careful!

Hi Jose Luis,
I switched from a Gemeinhardt to a Yamaha as well. I chose a Prima Sankyo NRS-1 rather than the EC Yamaha, for my Yamaha 881 flute.

Time spent with my flute teacher made a huge difference in tone. I was blowing across the Gem. embouchure hole incorrectly-which produced a nice tone on the Gem. but gave poor results on the Yamaha. She had me blow more directly down into the flute-which I realize does not match the instructions from the Sax-on-the-Web flute lessons. Most important, I think, is a live, competent and accomplished flute teacher who can correct you, correctly!

As to covering the holes, make sure that your hand position does not become artificial. For instance, a player with short fingers on an inline G flute can end up with carpal tunnel syndrome from playing with an incorrect wrist position. In other words, that 'perfect finger position' can compromise your playing in the future. Uncover one hole at a time, and if you get finger, hand, wrist or arm pain when practicing, plug the hole and forget about it.

I memorize best if I have a good recording to listen to; I play it in my car so that I hear it over and over again. Another good suggestion that I have heard is to memorize from the end first, going back a measure at a time. This way, you play the last part so many times that it is the part you know best and don't get lost so easily.

As far as nerves go, how about playing in 'un-stressful' venues? I know that here, a lot of people play at hospitals and such.

Good luck with your flute, I am sure you will become accomplished with practice- and sound beautiful.

Tibbie