I just started playing flute in January. I am music teacher (vocal) and had the opportunity to learn on a school instrument up until a few weeks ago when a student needed to take my instrument. I stopped playing for about two weeks until I was able purchase a decent used Yamaha 225S.

My problem is that I seem to be tensing up the outer edges of my tongue (when I play and I'm having difficulty stopping it. I assume I'm doing something wrong here, but not sure what to do about it. I think I may have done this before, but only noticed it after working on a passage or exercise with a bunch of high notes. Now it seems to be happening all of the time. Is it just because I'm a little out of shape from the week off or do I need to change something?

well it may be from just not doing it for long. i've played flute for two years and the same thing happened to me over the summer. but practicing a lot will make ur tongue faster and stronger.

can you get a few lessons with a good teacher?? Sounds like your jaw is very tense, causing your tongue to tighten up..your jaw should be as relaxed as when you sing...

Thanks for the responses. I didn't get a chance to practice today, but I'll check to see if I'm tensing up my jaw tomorrow!

also, be sure to keep your throat open and relaxed, just as in singing, that's why I have learned more from singers about breathing and relaxation than anyone

Patrick has a good suggestion. Also see if you can keep the tonge down in your mouth. Don't use your tongue to stop the air for articulation sbut rather only to interupt it.

I was trying to keep my tongue down, but it was difficult. I think it went a little better today because I focused on relaxing my jaw. Thanks, everybody!