Hi, I am Joseph and have played the flute for less than 2 years and attained the intermediate level, I am able to play all the tones as well as advance pieces, provided its done at home with my golden retriever, playing for my teacher, or to a small group of people. A few days ago, I tried playing in a formal recital in a room full of people, other musicians, and accompanied by a pianist and a live band. I counld'nt get the tone out of my instrument as my mouth and throut dried up after playing the first 20 bars of the score! (Is it due to nervousness, psychological? It was very disappointing after practicing for months! Can anyone help and advise!

yes, relex...

sorry, singal poasting...

Think what I experience was 'embouchure failure' probably a new term! due to dryness and tension, interesting experience! Wonder whether any one else have this experience! Kids and teenagers seem to handle this better, need to work on this, ha ha!

Get out there more often and practice long tone embouchure exercises.

I find that when performing, your weaknesses seem to exaggerate. Pay attention to them when you are playing and then work on your weaknesses more when you are practicing.

This is the flutist's worst nightmare.

Last year, at my son's class recital, a young gifted girl (13yo?) was playing a movement from a Mozart concerto. She started beautifully. Very mature tone for her age. I was mesmerized. Then suddenly her sound started to disapear!! It all happened very quickly; I could see the anxiety raising in her eyes as the flute was becoming silent. Then no sound at all could be produced.

She stopped and the teacher came on stage to explain the phenomenon of the embouchure failure. She said just the fear of it happening can make it happen. The student took a deep breath, relaxed, and went on with her recital. But it was not quite the same as when she first started.

Although you reached intermediate level in two years, probably you need to play more often in public. It took four years for me t reach a similar level instead, so I think you have done it quite fast.

My first audition, four years ago, was of course with a very simple piece (albeit it was a duo with a fellow student) and I failed in a couple of notes (they just refused "to sing"...) Then it improved in later years.

Yesterday was my fourth audition and I also felt a dry mouth, but still could perform well.

Nerves like to attack in very different and sometime unexpected ways and the only cure I can think of is exposing oneself to this stressful but satisfying experience as often as you can (and when you manage to have the parts well prepared)...
Good luck!
I am going to change school next year, to another one that has more or less mandatory auditions every Quarter. Performing in public will so become a more natural situation (hopefully)

Hi. A few words from an old hand. Playing in the street can be much less daunting than a concert hall or something of that nature. It might be a good way to work up to playing in public. However, you will need a permit. If you still have dry mouth issues, my old flute teacher suggested eating oranges before a performance. I've never tried it myself. I live for the stage. Hope I could help. Let me know?