Hello, I am a Freshman and have been playing the flute since fourth grade. I started out with an intermediate Armstrong and now I have a professional, solid silver, Yamaha - Yes it is very nice
I have been preparing a piece called Cantabile et Presto (George Enesco) for a competition, but I have come across one consistent problem.

Tumbling fingers. There are some sections with fast fingering. I know the notes and fingerings, but can't keep them steady. I have tried slowing it down and practicing with different articulations. Are there any other methods of practice?

Crude example:
written:
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C

played:
A-B-C-DEFGA-B-C

Thank your in advance for the help!

Micron is correct, the secret to playing fast is to practice SLOW...

Also, try to indentify the melodic structure in these long 16th note passages, if you can feel that melody in the right place your fingers will know what to do..

hope that helps!

I'd like to add an odd suggestion. If you have a PS2, you might look into a couple of older rhythm games as well, especially Amplitude. My son's rhythm skills improved a significant amount from it.

It's a little like guitar hero, but it's simpler and focused purely upon rhythm and timing with your fingers.

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edit - obviously do this after the competition when you have free time. Good timing is a skill that anyone can learn and one that has huge payoffs in all aspects of life.

the only thing i can say is to practice slower.

i like to practice it backwards after i learn it at a slow tempo. its better to know it frontwards, backwards, and inside out. DO NOT USE THIS PRACTICE METHOD IF YOU CANT PLAY THE PASSAGE STEADILY AT A SLOW TEMPO!!!!

these are all excellent suggestions...