Hi,

I have just recently bought a new flute - an Altus Azumi 2000, which has motivated me to really try and figure a problem I've been having recently, since altering my right hand position...

I have basically moved my right hand thumb further up the flute to allow to my fingers to arch onto the notes, and consequently improve dexterity.

However, this has effected my balance in the way that, when I get to a note such as a 2nd Octave C# (No fingers pressed down), the flute falls inwards.

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips on how I can solve this problem... eg change something in my left hand, change headjoint position etc.?

Many thanks, Tom

I place my right thumb underneath but slightly behind my right index finger (F key). That way I can touch/hold/support the flute at the 3 points. Just above the left index joint, the right thumb and the area between the lips and chin. The flute should be secure (as in not moving on the chin) and very controllable if you are touching in only those three spots. Anything else that touches the flute is doing so for the purpose of closing a key.

I would say that if the right thumb is in a location that causes the right hand knuckles to be off line with the body tube, the player's right hand technique may be compromised.

<Added>

I should add that the corner of my thumb nail is pointed at the flute and located back from directly underneath at about a 45 degree angle. This somewhat counters the fact that the left hand index isn't directly underneath the flute. Posture, head position and the angles of attack of the right and left hand affect the support very much which affect your technique, stability and of course your tone. Same goes for the amount of pressure that you are using to keep the flute against the face. More, less pressure or does it change while movng the fingers or changing octaves or dynamics?

Press your right pinky down on the Eb key.

The figuring should be ---│---Eb

I place my right thumb between the index and middle fingers, if I place it too far to the left the flute will fall inward

The flute isn't inherently un stable with respect to the balance and it tends to roll back if not held properly. If held correctly, it should be stable without the right pinky down on the C# meaning that it won't move around on the embouchure end with any fingering change.

Here's something to read on this:
http://www3.telus.net/Garry_McKevitt/lineup.htm
I would read near the bottom about the modified Rockstro and below section.



<Added>

Oops,
The flute isn't inherently un stable
shold read
The flute is inherently unstable

I use a Thumbport to assist w/ balance since acquiring my Pearl. I can't wait until the alto version is rolled out (no pun intended, heh heh) as my curved head Jupiter likes to play the inward-rolling game also.

http://www.thumbport.com/

Position your flute slightly more angled and use your inside of your right thumb for more support.

i dont realy know how to ewxplain it but the side of your left knuckle where your thumb rests if you balance the flute say it rests there whilst your playing it stays balanced

<Added>

also make sure your flute rests on your right thumbe aswell

Nine beat me to it. There's a reason they use thumb supports on most other woodwinds. It gives you just the little bit of grip you need.