Hello =]

I'm a clarinet player, as some of you know. But I have played flute for a few weeks before.

Anywho, my question is: Is it normal to always be playing vibrato? I've noticed many flutists in orchestras I've played with, the flutes ALWAYS use vibrato. Even if they don't have the melody... even on fast notes. They can't even tune with a tuner, because when they try and use a tuner the needle goes horribly sharp, then horribly flat. Is this supposed to be good technique? I always thought you should be able to control vibrato...

D=

there have been a number of lively debates on just this topic on this forum for you to look up, I agree with you that we flute players should not always play with vibrato, especially when we are in a supporting role...some flute players use more though to mask poor intonation...

I don't think we should always use vibrato.. I think I mostly use it when I'm playing by myself, not in a large ensemble. I think its definitely something you should be able to control.

Yes! I hate when flutes tune with vibrato! It drives me nuts!

So I'm not insane... because I totaly hate one flute, who always used vibrato... and it sounded horrible! She pretended to "tune" although all she did was play again with vibrato... hows that supposed to work?

some of these players will be in for a surprise when they play a piece and the composers specifically asks for NO vibrato, what will they do then?

Sadly, they think thats how you naturally play a flute, and they do so anyway. T_T

ick, when flutes tune with vibrato is way annoying. you should definetly be able to control it. too much of a good thing is bad.