I don`t know if a lot of floutists know this, but if you purse your bottom lip out a small bit while playing the really high notes [like above high D] they`ll be easier to hit. I`ve been playing for 6 years and the only lessons ive ever had were 2 months of private and 4 years of elementary band. Don`t forget my 2 years of marching....
-Deena

Deena, have you thought about going back and getting lessons? I only ask because you are giving advise on this forum, and you really should get to know the proper ways from a teacher before trying to help others. It is a nice gesture though.

Thanks Deena, it works

Does it also work to pull your lip less tight against your teeth (i.e. less smile), hence allowing it to be a little thicker, and pressing the lips slightly more TOGETHER.

This would have the same effect - increasing the LENGTH of the wind channel between your lips, i.e. form behind your lips to the front of them.

If, when your playing is more advanced, you are rapidly going from low to high notes, it is far easier to keep you lips much the same and just press them closer together (to narrow the wind way and allow the air to go faster) than it is to manipulate the lips in and out.

Try doing both actions fast, without the flute.

It is a good idea to establish habits early on, that are going to continue working as you advance.

In most any area of interest, there are accomplished people who are self-taught. I`ve usually found that the most interesting and groundbreaking innovations come from people who, at the very least, view their "education" as just one of many experiences.

Anyway, I`ll have to try your tip... so to speak.

I couldn`t agree with that statement more.

Jules Verne comes to mind.

And it is also the same innovative people who are most criticised by the traditionally-taught fraternity, because it rocks the foundations on which their pseudo-security is built.

However there is also a lot of innovative stuff around with little practical value.

I`ve never let my schooling interfere with my education. -- Twain

"In most any area of interest, there are accomplished people who are self-taught. I`ve usually found that the most interesting and groundbreaking innovations come from people who, at the very least, view their "education" as just one of many experiences."

I agree. I was completely self taught and only had a couple of lessons with a master flutist. I now play professionally and have been successful many years now.

I have met some people that have spent many years in College (not saying that this is wrong) and come out sounding like a recording or really don`t have that much knowledge of how the flute even functions.

I think that it is very helpful to at least get a few lessons in with a master though.